An international trio of talents makes its way to the University of Michigan's Hill Auditorium on Friday night. Violin sensation Joshua Bell will collaborate with the Camerata Academica Salzburg, conducted by Sir Roger Norrington, in what is sure to be one of the year's highlights.

The success of the Camerata Academica Salzburg is attributed to its deep roots in chamber music dialogue. Founded in 1951 by Bernhard Paumgartner, Norrington took over the group's leadership in 1997, after the death of conductor Sandor Vegh. The Camerata boasts a broad repertoire, but it pays particular attention to the lesser-known works of Mozart, masters of the Baroque period, the entire Viennese classics, and some influential twentieth century composers. Though frequently touring the globe, the group has done a significant number of recordings for Capriccio, Decca, and Philips records.

Apart from the Camerata, Norrington has had a remarkably accomplished career. From a very early age, he began to show his talents both with his voice and the violin bow. After founding the Schtz Choir in 1962, Norrington started on what would be a thirty-year study of historical performance practice. Consequently, he has ample expertise in period instruments, orchestra size, seating and playing style.

Through the years, he has recorded a variety of composers' work, including Hayden, Mozart, and Beethoven. Norrington has even made a name for himself in the Opera world: for 15 years he was the conductor of the Kent Opera. Currently, he is the Chief Conductor of the Radio Sinfonie Orchester in Stuttgart and the Camerata.

At age 31, Joshua Bell has earned the reputation of one of the world's leading musicians. Born in Bloomington, Indiana, Bell quickly rose to fame after his orchestral debut with Riccardo Muti and the Philadelphia Orchestra in 1981. Since then, he has worked with the New York Philharmonic, the Boston Symphony and the Chicago Symphony, and conductors such as Vladimir Ashkenazy, Riccardo Chailly, and Roger Norrington. Bell's musical interests aren't limited to classical violin literature. He recently collaborated with his longtime friend, bassist and composer Edgar Meyer, to form a bluegrass quartet. John Corigliano's Oscar-winning score to "The Red Violin" also featured Bell's harrowing violin solos.

In performance, Bell is known to exude calm confidence while enveloping the audience in his fantastic sound. He will make his third UMS appearance, with Norrington making his fourth, and the Camerata debuting at Hill.