An Afternoon with Itzhak Perlman

Undeniably the reigning virtuoso of the violin, Itzhak Perlman enjoys superstar status rarely afforded a classical musician. Beloved for his charm, humanity, and talent, he is treasured by audiences throughout the world who respond to his remarkable artistry and irrepressible joy for making music.

Having performed with every major orchestra and at concert halls around the globe, Itzhak has been honored with 16 Grammy Awards, four Emmy Awards, a Kennedy Center Honor, a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award, and a Genesis Prize. He has received multiple distinctions from U.S. presidents: A Presidential Medal of Freedom, the Nation’s highest civilian honor, by President Obama (2015); a Kennedy Center Honor (2003); a National Medal of Arts by President Clinton (2000); and a Medal of Liberty by President Reagan (1986).

In 2021, Itzhak commenced a three-season partnership with the Houston Symphony as Artistic Partner. The first program featured him leading the orchestra in a play/conduct all-Beethoven program in celebration of the composer’s 250th anniversary. Further programs feature him as performer, conductor, and recitalist.

Highlights of this season include opening the Baltimore Symphony season; appearing in recital at venues, including Disney Concert Hall in Los Angeles and Jones Hall in Houston; and taking his new multi-media program An Evening with Itzhak Perlman to several U.S. cities.

Itzhak has delighted audiences on the conductor’s podium and at speaking engagements. An award-winning documentary, Itzhak, details the virtuoso’s struggles as a polio survivor and Jewish émigré and is a reminder why art is vital to life. His extensive discography includes his most recent album, a special collaboration with Martha Argerich. His long association with the Israel Philharmonic led to, among other tours, an appearance in Moscow, captured by PBS on Perlman in Russia.

Born in Israel in 1945, he 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, he won the prestigious Leventritt Competition in 1964, which led to a burgeoning worldwide career.