Legendary Violinist Pinchas Zukerman Returns to Sydney to Direct Two Programs with the Sydney Symphony Orchestra

Legendary Israeli violinist Pinchas Zukerman will return to Sydney next month to direct and perform in two programs with the Sydney Symphony Orchestra, one of which will involve rehearsing and performing onstage with the talented young players in the SSO Fellowship program.

Zukerman, who is regarded as one of the truly great musicians of the past century, describes himself as a passionate educator who is devoted to instructing and inspiring the next generation of classical musicians.

"It is one of my greatest pleasures to work and perform with emerging young musicians," Zukerman says. "Seeing the next generation take on and rise to the challenge of performing wonderful music in concert halls around the world is a terrific feeling."

For 23-year old SSO violin Fellow Bridget O'Donnell, the opportunity to rehearse and perform with Zukerman on the Concert Hall stage of the Sydney Opera House Concert Hall is a dream come true.

"Having grown up listening and idolising Zukerman's sound, I can't wait to hear his playing for the first time in real life," O'Donnell says. "He brings an unrivalled gusto, finesse and charisma to the music he creates. The opportunity to play alongside him in the Mendelssohn Octet, one of the greatest pieces of chamber music of all time, is truly a once in a lifetime experience."

The first program - Zukerman plays Tchaikovsky & Mozart - will see Zukerman direct the SSO for a program of sublime beauty. The concert will open with two of Tchaikovsky's most graceful and expressive pieces for violin, Souvenir d'un lieu cher: Mélodie and Sérénade mélancolique, before a performance of Mozart's elegant Strassburger concerto. The second half of the concert will feature Tchaikovsky's Fourth Symphony, a work known for its fateful fanfare, dreamy waltzes, whirlwind virtuosity and festive finale.

The second program - Zukerman and Mendelssohn - is a celebration of youth, where the Zukerman Trio - featuring Zukerman, cellist Amanda Forsyth and pianist Angela Cheng - will join forces with the talented SSO Fellows to play Mendelssohn's Octet, an astonishing masterpiece from a 16-year-old genius.

Following his concerts with the SSO, Zukerman will perform four concerts presented by the Adelaide Symphony Orchestra on the 23, 25, 26 & 27 November.

Zukerman's most recent appearance with the SSO was in 2013.

Photo Credit: Charles Waugh

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