In May 2010, The Perlman Music Program traveled to Israel for an exciting two and half week residency in collaboration with the Jerusalem Music Centre. The Residency brought twenty outstanding PMP alumni together with twenty-one hand-selected string players from the Buchmann-Mehta School of Music at Tel Aviv University and the Jerusalem Academy of Music and Dance. These students were selected through a rigorous audition process, and each received at least a partial scholarship for the residency, further continuing PMP’s goal of never turning away a qualified student due to lack of funds.
From May 19 – June 6, these accomplished young students experienced a whirlwind of weekly private lessons, group classes, and rehearsals taught by distinguished faculty members Itzhak Perlman, Rachel Calin, Heidi Castleman, Catherine Cho, Paul Katz, Merry Peckham, Patrick Romano, and Roger Tapping. In just two and half weeks, the students performed in two orchestra and chorus rehearsals, two public masterclasses, and six Works in Progress concerts that were open to the public. In keeping with PMP’s aim to create a challenging yet balanced and nurturing educational environment, the busy schedule allowed time for non-musical group activities such as sightseeing ancient historical sites and visiting the Dead Sea. On June 3, the students’ efforts culminated in a gala concert at the Henry Crown Auditorium in Jerusalem, which featured a performance by the residency’s string orchestra conducted by Maestro Itzhak Perlman, and the residency’s choir (including all faculty and staff) singing selections from great choral works conducted by Patrick Romano.
Through this residency, The Perlman Music Program furthered its goal of assisting young talented musicians to reach their full potential by connecting them with international peers in an exciting and meaningful cultural exchange. Through their shared musical ideals and goals, these students established relationships that will undoubtedly last a lifetime.
This residency in Israel was made possible by the Max M. and Marjorie S. Fisher Foundation.
Past PMP international trips have included visits to Israel in 1999 and 2000, and a trip to Shanghai, China in 2002.
Maestro Perlman and the JPMP String Orchestra take a bow at the conclusion of the gala concert in Henry Crown Auditorium
Viola faculty, Roger Tapping, coaches a PMP alumnus in the YMCA concert hall during one of many instrumental studio classes held by JPMP faculty
JPMP students were assigned chamber music groups, each with two Americans and two Israelis. This group is being coached by Israeli violinist Hagai Shaham.
With cooperation from the Army, gifted young musicians were given time off from their military duties to participate in the Residency. Above, an Israeli participant performs in uniform in a Works in Progress concert.
