Who is Itzhak Perlman?
Itzhak Perlman is a classically trained violin virtuoso, a conductor and the principal owner of the Perlman Music foundation. Itzhak Perlman is easily recognized as one of the greatest violinists of all time, and is known for brilliant playing technique, direct musical interpretation and absolute precision in how he plays. His recordings include not only every available standard violin repertoire, but also music from contemporary composers as well. He has made a name for himself by playing with nearly every serious orchestra across the globe, showcasing his incredible talent in recitals, musical festivals and concerts all over the world. He is known as “the man who plays sitting down” because he lost the use of his legs due to becoming ill with polio at the age of four. Despite his physical shortcomings, he has never had trouble bringing audiences to their feet in appreciation of his incredible musical gifts.
Itzhak Perlman is considered one of the most gifted violinists in the world, a person with extraordinary talent who has persevered in spite of life-altering limitations. Born in Tel Aviv, Palestine in 1945, Perlman contracted the life threatening polio virus at the age of four. Though he eventually learned to walk with crutches, the virus sadly and permanently damaged his legs, and to this day, he performs seated as a soloist, which is unusual. Nevertheless, Perlman was already beginning to play the violin, which in past interviews he has stated he was strongly encouraged to play in order to improve mobility in his fingers after his bout with polio.
