Itzhak Perlman, 74, is a world-renowned violin virtuoso, orchestra conductor, and music teacher. In addition to playing for audiences all over the U.S. and around the globe, he performed at the inauguration of President Barack Obama and at a state dinner for Queen Elizabeth II. Over the years, Perlman has garnered numerous awards, including the Presidential Medal of Freedom. At age four he contracted polio; he walks with difficulty using leg braces and crutches. Perlman performs while seated
Quotes: “To bring a large audience to a piece of serious music and make it accessible does not mean reducing it in any way. And I’ve learned that if something is good, even if it is a little difficult, people will get that it is good.” | “I have a very simple philosophy. One has to separate the abilities from the disabilities. The fact I cannot walk, that I need crutches or a scooter or whatever it is, has nothing to do with my playing the violin.”
Sources: Wikipedia, BrainyQuote
Learn more about Itzhak Perlman on Wikipedia. >>
Watch — and more important, listen to — Itzhak Perlman playing themes from the movie Schindler’s List [14:55]. >>
Photo: Los Angeles Times
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