Peled to perform on Casals cello in Santa Cruz

Israeli-born concert cellist Amit Peled comes to Santa Cruz this weekend carrying a special instrument. Peled will perform two concerts, Friday as a soloist and Saturday with pianist Noreen Polera at Holy Cross Church, playing a cello that once belonged to the famous Catalan cellist Pablo Casals.

A few years ago, Peled was entrusted with the cello by the widow of Casals. The instrument is the work of the master Venetian luthier Matteo Goffriller and was originally built in 1733. During the summer, Peled traveled across North America with the priceless cello, replicating a similar tour once taken by Casals.

On Friday, Peled five suites by Bach as a benefit for the Juanita Orlando Concert Grand Piano Fund at Holy Cross Chapel at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $75. On Saturday, Peled and Polera will perform works by Miaskovsky, Boulanger and Brahms. The concert begins at 7:30 p.m. Saturday. Tickets are $22 to $35 in advance; $27 and $40 at the door. Details: www.distinguishedartists.org.