Ax-Perlman-Ma March 30, 2009

Eisenhower Auditorium

Three of the most celebrated musicians of our time—pianist Emanuel Ax, violinist Itzhak Perlman, and cellist Yo-Yo Ma—make their world premiere as a trio in a once-in-a-lifetime concert at the Center for the Performing Arts. The trio is scheduled to perform only twice—at Eisenhower Auditorium and the following evening at New York City’s Carnegie Hall.

Ax is renowned not only for his poetic temperament and unsurpassed piano virtuosity but also for the exceptional breadth of his performing activity. Each season he appears with major symphony orchestras, performs recitals in the most celebrated concert halls, engages in a variety of chamber music collaborations, commissions and performs new music, and records additions to his acclaimed discography on Sony Classical. Ax captured public attention in 1974 when he won the first Arthur Rubinstein International Piano Competition. The pianist’s concert as part of the virtuoso trio is his first appearance at Penn State since 1988.

Perlman, who mesmerized a sold-out audience at Eisenhower Auditorium in April, enjoys a superstar status not often associated with a classical musician. His remarkable musicianship is equaled by the joy with which he plays with leading orchestras, in recitals, and at major festivals. One of Perlman’s finest hours came in his performance of the John Williams-composed violin solos for Steven Spielberg’s Academy Award-winning film Schindler’s List. Perlman made his professional conducting debut in 1997 and has since guided ensembles on several continents. The Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts recognized him with a Kennedy Center Honor in 2003.

Ma’s career is testament to his continual search for new ways to communicate with audiences, and to his desire for artistic growth and renewal. Whether performing new or familiar works from the cello repertoire, coming together with colleagues for chamber music, or exploring cultures and musical forms outside the Western classical tradition, Ma strives to find connections that stimulate the imagination. The cellist draws inspiration from a wide circle of collaborators. He explores music as a means of communication and as a vehicle for the migration of ideas across cultures. Ma’s performance is his first at Penn State since 1991.

Official Website: http://www.cpa.psu.edu