From Skid Row to Disney Hall

SHOW TIME: After hearing the Los Angeles Philharmonic rehearse Beethoven’s Symphony No. 3, “Eroica,” Nathaniel Ayers stands behind the stage and plays his violin. Music is his passion.   (Damon Winter / Los Angeles Times)

CONTRAST: Nathaniel is awed at the thought of great musicians playing just two blocks from where he takes a bow and “saws away” on a corner.  (Damon Winter / Los Angeles Times)

Nathaniel Anthony Ayers plays his violin in Walt Disney Concert Hall in Downtown Los Angeles.  (Damon Winter / Los Angeles Times)

EAGER: Former Juilliard student Nathaniel Ayers checks the performance calendar outside Walt Disney Concert Hall.  (Damon Winter / Los Angeles Times)

TOGETHER: Nathaniel Anthony Ayers and Yo-Yo Ma, who attended Juilliard at the same time, chat at Walt Disney Concert Hall.  (Francine Orr / Los Angeles Times)

EAGER: Former Juilliard student Nathaniel Ayers checks the performance calendar outside Walt Disney Concert Hall.  (Rick Loomis / Los Angeles Times)

Nathaniel Ayers plays his violin downtown.  (Rick Loomis / Los Angeles Times)

Nathaniel Ayers plays a cello in L.A. in July of 2005.  (Hal Wells / Los Angeles Times)