Itzhak Perlman is one of the finest violinists alive today. Several years ago, Perlman agreed to attend a charity reception after one of his concerts in Vienna. Tickets for the champagne reception were sold for the equivalent of five hundred American dollars per guest.
At the reception, while the guests mingled, Itzhak Perlman stood in a roped-off area flanked by security guards. One by one the guests were led into the roped-off area and introduced to Perl-man.
As one man entered the roped-off area, he stretched out his hand, shook hands with the violinist, and said, “Mr. Perlman, you were phenomenal tonight. Absolutely amazing.”
Perlman smiled and thanked the man graciously for the compliment.
The man continued, “All my life I have had a great love of the violin, and I have heard every great living violinist, but I have never heard any-one play the violin as brilliantly as you did tonight.”
Perlman smiled again but said nothing, and the man continued, “You know, Mr. Perlman, I would give my whole life to be able to play the violin like you did tonight.”
Perlman smiled once more and said, “I have.”
Source | Matthew Kelly,
The Rhythms of Life (Touchstone; Reprint edition, 2005)
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Itzhak Perlman is a world-renowned Israeli-American violinist known for his exceptional technical skill and emotional depth. Born in 1945, Perlman contracted polio at age four, which left him with a permanent disability. Despite this, he began violin studies at a young age and went on to study at the Juilliard School. Perlman has performed with major orchestras worldwide, recorded numerous albums, and is celebrated for his interpretations of a wide range of repertoire, from classical to contemporary music. He has won numerous awards, including multiple Grammy Awards, and has been recognised for his advocacy work in promoting music education and accessibility. Perlman’s music transcends borders, inspiring audiences with his mastery and passion for the violin.
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