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Itzhak Perlman returns to Miller Auditorium

May 3, 2004

KALAMAZOO -- Internationally acclaimed violinist Itzhak Perlman returns to Miller Auditorium at Western Michigan University for the first time since 1997 for a single performance Wednesday, May 12, beginning at 7:30 p.m.

Perlman is the undeniable reigning virtuoso of the violin and enjoys superstar status rarely afforded classical musicians. Beloved for his charm and humanity as well as his talent, he is recognized by audiences all over the world who respond not only to his flawless technique, but also to the irrepressible joy of making the music he communicates.

Born in Israel in 1945, Perlman completed his initial training at the Academy of Music in Tel Aviv. Upon his arrival in New York, he was propelled into the international arena with an appearance on "The Ed Sullivan Show" in 1958. Following studies at the Julliard School, Perlman won the prestigious Leventritt Competition in 1964 leading to an escalating worldwide career that now includes appearances with every major orchestra and in recitals and festivals across the globe.

Perlman has won four Emmy Awards and fifteen Grammy Awards. One of his proudest achievements was his collaboration with film score composer John Williams in the Academy Award winning film "Schindler's List," in which he performed the violin solos. Harvard, Yale, Brandeis, and Roosevelt universities are among the institutions that have awarded him honorary degrees. President Ronald Reagan honored Perlman with a "Medal of Liberty" in 1986 and President Bill Clinton awarded him the "National Medal of Arts" in 2000.

Perlman's May 12 performance at Miller Auditorium was originally scheduled for Oct. 1, 2003.

The one-night engagement of Itzhak Perlman is sponsored by AM 590 WKZO. Tickets range from $35-$50 and are available by calling (269) 387-2300 or (800) 228-9858, online at www.millerauditorium.com, at the Miller Auditorium Ticket Office, or at the Epic Center Box Office downtown.

Media contact: Tracey Lawie, 269 2309, tracey.lawie@wmich.edu

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