By Mabel Pais

Itzhak Perlman has established himself as a cultural icon and world’s reigning violin virtuoso, a status rarely offered to a classical musician. A household name in classical music, his performances include everything from ‘Schindler’s List’ to ‘Sesame Street,’ and to even the inauguration of President Obama.

‘An Afternoon with Itzhak Perlman’ is a multimedia program hosted by Perlman that leads the audience through his life with personal photos, clips, and music. Accompanied by longtime friend and collaborator, pianist Rohan De Silva, Perlman shines as he shares the compelling story of a young boy who became a household name. The event takes place on Sunday, October 8, 2023 at 3 pm.

Watch Itzhak play – https://youtu.be/RSMxdPzKX

EARLY LIFE

Born in Israel in 1945, Mr. Perlman completed his initial training at the Academy of Music in Tel Aviv. An early recipient of an America-Israel Cultural Foundation scholarship, he came to New York and soon was propelled to national recognition with an appearance on the Ed Sullivan Show in 1958. Following his studies at the Juilliard School with Ivan Galamian and Dorothy DeLay, he won the prestigious Leventritt Competition in 1964, which led to a burgeoning worldwide career. Since then, Itzhak Perlman has established himself as a cultural icon and household name in classical music.

“One of the most important elements of teaching, conducting and performing, all three, is listening.”

TEACHER

Most recently, Perlman launched an exclusive series of classes with Masterclass.com, the premier online education company that enables access to the world’s most brilliant minds including Gordon Ramsay, Wolfgang Puck, Martin Scorsese, Ron Howard, Helen Mirren, Jodie Foster and Serena Williams, as the company’s only classical-music presentation. Available exclusively at masterclass.com/ip, Perlman’s class offers students an intimate and inspirational approach to the world of violin where he covers fundamental techniques, practice strategies, and ways to build a richer sound.

CONDUCTOR

Mr. Perlman has further delighted audiences through his frequent appearances on the conductor’s podium. He has performed as conductor with the New York Philharmonic, Chicago Symphony, Philadelphia Orchestra, Boston Symphony, National Symphony, San Francisco Symphony, Los Angeles Philharmonic, and the symphony orchestras of Dallas, Houston, Pittsburgh, Seattle, Montreal, and Toronto, as well as at the Ravinia and Tanglewood festivals. Internationally, Mr. Perlman has conducted the Berlin Philharmonic, Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra, London Philharmonic, English Chamber Orchestra, and the Israel Philharmonic.

SPEAKER

Further to his engagements as violinist and conductor, Mr. Perlman is increasingly making more appearances as a speaker. Recent speaking engagements include appearances in Texas at Lamar University, South Dakota with the John Vucurevich Foundation, and in Washington D.C. for the Marriott Foundation. In November 2018, he joined Alan Alda for a conversation on the stage of New York’s 92nd Street Y.

“Just imagine yourself in a wheelchair.Go through the building. If there’s a place you can’t go in, it’s not accessible.”

FILM

An award-winning documentary on Mr. Perlman, titled “Itzhak”, premiered in October 2017 as the opening film of the 25th Annual Hamptons International Film Festival. It was released theatrically in over 100 cinemas nationwide in March 2018, with international releases that followed in Summer 2018. Directed by filmmaker Alison Chernick, the enchanting documentary details the virtuoso’s own struggles as a polio survivor and Jewish émigré and is a reminder why art is vital to life. For more information, visit itzhakthefilm.com. In 2018, the film made its debut on PBS’ American Masters in a broadcast throughout the United States.

MENTOR

Over the past two decades, Mr. Perlman has become actively involved in music education, using this opportunity to encourage gifted young string players. Alongside his wife Toby, his close involvement in the Perlman Music Program has been a particularly rewarding experience, and he has taught full-time at the Program each summer since its founding in 1993. Mr. Perlman currently holds the Dorothy Richard Starling Foundation Chair at the Juilliard School.

AWARDS & HONORS

Numerous publications and institutions have paid tribute to Itzhak Perlman for the unique place he occupies in the artistic and humanitarian fabric of our times. Harvard, Yale, Brandeis, Roosevelt, Yeshiva and Hebrew universities are among the institutions that have awarded him honorary degrees. He was awarded an honorary doctorate and a centennial medal on the occasion of Juilliard’s 100th commencement ceremony in 2005. Itzhak Perlman’s presence on stage, on camera, and in personal appearances of all kinds speaks eloquently on behalf of the disabled, and his devotion to their cause is an integral part of his life.

From 1964 to 2021, Perlman has received numerous distinguished awards including GRAMMYS, EMMYS, the Presidential Medal of Freedom from President Obama, the National Medal of Arts from President Clinton and many more.

Learn more about Perlman at itzhakperlman.com.

The New Jersey Performing Arts Center (NJPAC)

888.GO.NJPAC (888.466.5722)

NJPAC, located in downtown Newark, N.J., is America’s most diverse performing arts center, and the artistic, cultural, educational and civic center of New Jersey – where great performances and events enhance and transform lives every day.

NJPAC brings diverse communities together, providing access to all and showcasing the state’s and the world’s best artists while acting as a leading catalyst in the revitalization of its home city.

Through its extensive Arts Education programs, which have reached almost 2 million children, NJPAC is shaping the next generation of artists and arts enthusiasts. NJPAC has attracted more than 10 million visitors since opening its doors in 1997, and nurtures meaningful and lasting relationships with each of its constituents.

Follow NJPAC Online:

Website:    njpac.org

Twitter:     @NJPAC

Instagram:   @NJPAC

Hashtag:    #NJPAC

Facebook:    facebook.com/NJPAC

YouTube:     NJPACtv

Follow NJPAC’s Standing in Solidarity Series Online:

Website:     njpac.org/takeastand

Hashtag:       #NJPACTakeAStand

Youtube:       Standing in Solidarity playlist

(Mabel Pais writes on The Arts and Entertainment, Social Issues, Spirituality, Education, Cuisine, Health & Wellness, and Business)