Life and Important Facts about one of the greatest Violin virtuosos of our time Itzhak Perlman from our Know the Great Composers and Classical Musicians Series
About Itzhak Perlman
Itzhak Perlman is one of the most celebrated violinists of our time. He has dazzled audiences with his brilliant technique, expressive style and charismatic personality. He has performed in prestigious venues around the world, collaborated with renowned musicians and composers, and received numerous awards and honors for his achievements. In this blog post, we will explore his early life and music education, his musical achievements, his rise to the public figure, some important concerts and fun facts, and how he contributed to the society.
Early life and music education
Perlman was born in Tel Aviv, Israel, on August 31, 1945, to Jewish parents who had emigrated from Poland. He contracted polio at the age of four, which left him with a permanent disability that required him to use leg braces and crutches for mobility. He later switched to an electric scooter for convenience.
Perlman developed a passion for the violin at the age of three, after hearing classical music on the radio. He taught himself how to play the instrument using a toy fiddle, until he was old enough to enroll in the Shulamit Conservatory and the Academy of Music in Tel Aviv. He gave his first recital at the age of 10, and soon attracted attention for his talent and potential.
At the age of 13, he moved to the United States to study at the Juilliard School and Meadowmount School of Music with the legendary violin teacher Ivan Galamian and his assistant Dorothy DeLay. He also received guidance from other eminent violinists such as Isaac Stern, Jascha Heifetz and Pablo Casals.
Perlman with Ed Sullivan
Musical achievements
Perlman made his debut on American television in 1958, when he appeared on The Ed Sullivan Show twice, playing pieces such as Rimsky-Korsakov’s “Flight of the Bumblebee”, Wieniawski’s “Polonaise Brillante”, and Mendelssohn’s first violin concerto. He gained national recognition when he won the prestigious Leventritt Competition in 1964, which launched his international career as a soloist.
Perlman has performed with almost every major orchestra and conductor in the world, as well as with many chamber music ensembles and solo artists. He has recorded extensively for various labels, covering a wide range of repertoire from classical to contemporary, from Bach to Bernstein. He has won 16 Grammy Awards, including a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award, and four Emmy Awards for his television appearances and documentaries.
Perlman has also ventured into other genres of music, such as jazz, klezmer and film music. He has collaborated with artists such as Oscar Peterson, John Williams, Billy Joel and Yo-Yo Ma. He has played the violin solos for movies such as Schindler’s List, Memoirs of a Geisha and Hero.
Rise to the public figure
Perlman is not only a virtuoso violinist, but also a public figure who has used his fame and influence to promote various causes and initiatives. He has been an advocate for people with disabilities, for Jewish culture and heritage, for music education and outreach, and for peace and harmony among nations.
Perlman has performed at many historic events and occasions, such as the state dinner for Queen Elizabeth II at the White House in 2007, the inauguration of President Barack Obama in 2009, and the 70th anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz in 2015. He has also played for several world leaders and dignitaries, such as Pope Francis, Nelson Mandela and Dalai Lama.
Perlman has received many honors and awards for his contributions to the society, such as the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2015, the Kennedy Center Honors in 2003, the National Medal of Arts in 2000, and the Israel Prize in 1980. He has also been awarded honorary degrees from several universities and institutions.
Perlman at the Whitehouse
Important concerts and fun facts
Perlman has given countless memorable concerts throughout his career, but some of them stand out for their significance or uniqueness. Here are some examples:
- In 1979, he performed at a concert celebrating Israel’s 30th anniversary at Masada , an ancient fortress overlooking the Dead Sea.
- In 1986, he performed at a concert commemorating the centennial of the Statue of Liberty , along with Frank Sinatra , Whitney Houston , Neil Diamond , Barry Manilow , Liza Minnelli , Mikhail Baryshnikov , Plácido Domingo , Zubin Mehta , Leonard Bernstein , Isaac Stern , Yo-Yo Ma , Beverly Sills , Leontyne Price , Luciano Pavarotti , José Carreras , Jessye Norman , Marilyn Horne , James Levine , Lorin Maazel , John Williams and many others.
- In 1994, he performed at a concert marking the 50th anniversary of D-Day , the Allied invasion of Normandy during World War II, at Omaha Beach .
- In 2007, he performed at a concert celebrating the 60th anniversary of the United Nations , along with Lang Lang , Herbie Hancock , Stevie Wonder , Andrea Bocelli , Renée Fleming , Audra McDonald , Michael Douglas , Morgan Freeman and others.
- In 2012, he performed at a concert honoring the 75th birthday of Queen Elizabeth II at Buckingham Palace , along with Paul McCartney , Elton John , Tom Jones , Annie Lennox , Kylie Minogue , Robbie Williams and others.
Perlman is also known for his sense of humor and his love of life. Here are some fun facts about him:
- He is an avid baseball fan and supports the New York Mets .
- He is a collector of antique watches and clocks.
- He is a fan of Chinese food and often orders takeout from his favorite restaurant in New York.
- He is fluent in Hebrew, English and French, and can speak some Yiddish, Russian and Italian.
- He plays the electric violin as well as the acoustic violin.
Contribution to the society
Perlman has not only enriched the world with his music, but also with his generosity and compassion. He has donated his time and resources to many charitable organizations and causes, such as the Perlman Music Program , which he founded with his wife Toby in 1995 to provide music education and mentoring to young string players from around the world. He has also supported the PolioPlus program of Rotary International , which aims to eradicate polio worldwide. He has also participated in many benefit concerts and events for various causes, such as AIDS research, cancer research, disaster relief, human rights, environmental protection and more.
Perlman is a living legend and an inspiration to millions of people. He has overcome many challenges and obstacles in his life, and has achieved excellence and success in his field. He has shared his gift and passion with the world, and has made it a better place with his music and his spirit. He is truly a violin virtuoso and a humanitarian hero.
Images: From Public Domain
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