Students of the Perlman Music Project, along with their mentor, Itzhak Perlman, received three standing ovations at the Sandler Center for the Performing Arts. The concert was copresented by the Virginia Arts Festival and the Marilyn and Marvin Simon Family JCC as the final Main Event of the season.
The legendary violinist performed Mozart String Quintet no 4 in G minor, K 516 with his students and then the students performed Shostakovich Pieces (2) for String Octet, Op. 11 on their own. After intermission, the maestro returned for Mendelssohn String Octet in E-flat major, Op. 20 accompanied by his students.
A special reception following the concert, catered by the Reba and Sam Sandler Family Campus’ Cardo Café allowed guests of the Virginia Arts Festival and the Simon Family JCC to mingle with Perlman’s gifted students.
“I spoke with Ihnseon Park who was getting her degree from Columbia University while also attending Juilliard,” says Michael Shroyer. “It’s hard to imagine the dedication, passion and time this requires, considering students such as this one travels at least monthly during the school year for performances.”
“I particularly enjoyed talking with Andrew Gonzales, who is from this area,” says Alan Bartel. “I also learned that when these gifted students leave Juilliard and their studies with Mr. Perlman, they are in much the same situation as anyone looking for a job. The music world is a tough one for string players, and in this age of cutbacks in the arts world, it’s a real shame that some of them can’t make a real name for them self or find a leading position with an orchestra. For some, right now may be the pinnacle of their career.”
“The Perlman Concert was a perfect example of how a partnership benefits the Jewish community and the community at
large,” says Sandra Porter Leon, JCC president. “I’m looking forward to this continued and wonderful collaboration between the JCC and the Virginia Arts Festival.”
by Leslie Shroyer