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Perlman Shines at New York Philharmonic Opening Night

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Internationally-renowned violinist Itzhak Perlman plays alongside the New York Philharmonic. Perlman is best known to many for his performance of the heart wrenching theme to the film Schindler’s List (a film that went on to win the Academy Award for best musical score), which was one of the many pieces performed at this season’s opening, Thursday, Sept. 27.  (Photo credit: Chris Lee)The New York Philharmonic opened its 171st season late last month at Lincoln Center’s Avery Fisher Hall. The momentous event, held Thursday night, September 27, marked the orchestra’s 15,422nd concert, was directed and conducted by Alan Gilbert and those fortunate enough to be in attendance were mesmerized by the beloved Israeli-born violinist Itzhak Perlman.

The evening’s gala was sponsored by Brequet, the exclusive timepiece of the New York Philharmonic and welcomed its honored guests to a black tie dinner following the evening’s performance. The Opening Gala Concert was telecast live on PBS, as the season premier for the “Live from Lincoln Center” series and the Empire State Building was cloaked in beautiful Philharmonic red.

The Gala Concert began and ended with Respighi’s, “Fountains of Rome” and “Pines of Rome.” Masterfully, placed in between these magnificent pieces Perlman— the evening’s featured violin soloist—performed Rimsky-Korsakov’s “Fantasy on Two Russian Themes”, Massenet’s, “Meditation from Thais”, “Scherzo” from Souvenir d’un lieu cher, the Theme from “Schindler’s List,” and the “Introduction and Tarantella” from Sarasate. NYC First Deputy Mayor Robert Steele with New York Builder and Real Estate Executive Larry Silverstein at Opening Night of the New York Philharmonic at Avery Fisher Hall at Lincoln Center. Sept. 27, 2012. (Photo credit: Dan Miller/DMD IMAGES)

Alan Gilbert, the Philharmonic’s director and conductor along with the members of the Philharmonic performed admirably, presenting their audience with the robust and dramatic sounds from the opening and closing pieces of Respighi’s, “Fountains of “Rome” and “Pines of Rome..” The music was elegant and sophisticated, from the bombastic sound of the brass section, to the more subtle melodies by the woodwind section. These pieces were striking bookends to the magnificent performance by Itzhak Perlman.

Perlman, born in Israel, contracted polio at the age of four. He had always loved playing the violin and when asked by his parents if he wanted to continue practicing he said yes. Although his parents were not musicians they encouraged their son to continue with his musical studies. When he was six he actually cried upon hearing Rimski Kosokoff’s “Shirazod”. It was then that he knew that his desire to play the violin and perform would be his life’s work and greatest pleasure. His parents fear that he wouldn’t be able to travel to make musical appearances ended as Perlman was determined to overcome any stigma placed on his disability.Director Alan Gilbert conducts the world-class musicians of the New York Philharmonic. Thursday, Sept. 27. (Photo credit: Chris Lee)

The opening night Gala at Avery Fisher Hall, Lincoln Center, New York marked Perlman’s 82nd appearance with the New York Philharmonic. His performance, in its sublime virtuosity, evoked emotion and the knowledge that he holds an instinctive understanding of how to communicate the depth and soul of the music he is playing. Some in the audience were moved to tears as they listened to the brilliant sound of his violin. The golden tone he coaxed from his instrument, along with his determination to perform his very best made this opening night a most spectacular night, one to long remember.Itzhak Perlman and the New York Philharmonic (Photo credit: Chris Lee)

The Opening Night Gala was a sellout event for the Philharmonic and included New York City Deputy Mayor Robert Steele and former CNN senior correspondent and television talk show host Larry King who were both accompanied by their lovely wives. Jean Shafaroff, a 20 year veteran board member of the The Jewish Board of Family and Children Services (JDFCS) was on hand for this opening night. Jean was so proud to share with the Jewish Voice information about their many humanitarian programs. The Jewish Board helps in excess of 60,000 New Yorkers no matter their religion (60% serviced are not Jewish) with more than 75 different programs offered to make the lives of those less fortunate better. Their programs range from those assisting Iraqi War Veterans to homeless shelters. JBFCS programs service children as well as seniors and even provide help for those suffering from aids. “Jewish Board of Family and Children Services President Paul Levine and Board President Tony Mann are doing a fantastic job improving people’s lives in the largest agency within United Jewish Appeal,” said Ms. Shafaroff.

Joyce Vetere Milowski, one of the newest correspondents to join the Jewish Voice team, is better known as the Theater and Entertainment Editor and Co-Anchor of “Spotlight on Entertainment,” a regular weekly segment on WVOX 1460AM radio’s IN FOCUS with Host Dr. Dan Miller.

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