EDMOND—Pianist Jeremy Denk and the Academy of St. Martin in the Fields performed four Bach and Stravinsky pieces on March 18 before 430 concertgoers in Armstrong Auditorium. It was the ninth of 10 events in the 2014-2015 Armstrong International Cultural Foundation concert series, which concludes in April.

Denk joined the world-famous chamber orchestra for the middle two numbers, practically skipping to his instrument of choice. He mixed bursts of unwavering intensity with spells of lilting melody, all complemented by the violins, violas, cellos and bass of the Academy. His dominance of the Steinway concert grand piano had the audience clapping so long and boisterously that he returned to the stage four times to bow and acknowledge their praise. He then played a short encore piece.

The 21-member string ensemble bookended the concert with resonant play enhanced by the theater’s top-notch acoustics. Backed by a booming bassist, the cellists, violinists and violists bowed the strings in total unison—as if playing one giant instrument. The first half explored a realm of rapid, surging musical sequences; the second half brought a more soothing overtone highlighted by looping adagio chords and comforting decrescendos.

Concertgoers from around the metro and as far as Kansas shared the experience of a world-class performance at a fine concert hall, remarking on the building, expressing interest in season tickets, taking notice of the Herbert W. Armstrong College staff members, and celebrating the quality of Denk and the Academy.

Jeremy Denk is a recipient of a 2013 MacArthur Fellowship award, the 2014 Avery Fisher Prize and Musical America’s 2014 Instrumentalist of the Year. He serves on the faculty of Mannes College and at Bard College, both in New York.

Founded in 1958, the Academy of St. Martin in the Fields is a London-based chamber orchestra best known for having no conductor. It boasts over 500 recording sessions and helped record one of the most recognizable sports anthems: the uefa Champions League Anthem.

The 2014-2015 Armstrong International Cultural Foundation concert series concludes on April 23 when the high-octane celtic song and dance StepCrew marches onto the Armstrong stage.