To celebrate his 80th birthday on August 31st, the renowned violinist Itzhak Perlman took the field to perform the national anthem for his beloved New York Mets. Unfortunately, the Miami Marlins still managed to defeat them.
Perlman, who admits he spends more time watching baseball than practicing, quipped, “What’s that expression — glutton for punishment? We’re overjoyed when they win, and utterly devastated when they lose.”
His spirits were particularly high during a late September video call from his Upper West Side home, fresh off a Mets victory. The conversation also touched upon recent milestones, including his debut at the local Beacon Theater, a venue he’d never graced before, an upcoming nationwide tour, and the release of two new box sets of his acclaimed recordings.
With a chuckle, he mused, “I’m quite old, so typically, they gravitate towards my earliest recordings from the 1800s and 1900s.”
From his home, surrounded by musical scores (and perhaps a hidden baseball bat), Perlman, who battled polio as a child, candidly discussed his reliance on a mobility scooter and ADA-compliant van for easy movement. He also shared insights into his cherished Stradivarius violin, which he now truly considers his own, and the universally requested “Schindler’s List” theme. What follows are edited highlights from our engaging conversation.
My Go-To Skillet
Cooking holds a special place in my life. I’ve recently fallen in love with a fantastic nonstick skillet from the Stanley Tucci collection. When I make scrambled eggs, they just glide right off – no fuss!
My Beloved 1714 ‘Soil’ Stradivarius
I often get asked about playing a Stradivarius and how its sound compares to other violins. My answer is always the same: no matter which violin I play, it will sound like me. I’m not boasting; it’s simply a testament to the intensely personal connection a musician has with their instrument. The beauty of a Strad is how it empowers the player to achieve their desired sound. This particular violin once belonged to the legendary Yehudi Menuhin, and when he played it, it sounded like him. Now that I play it, it truly sounds like me.
Dreidel, My Canine Companion
Dreidel, my Portuguese water dog, is quite the character—a real “nut case”! He’s rather a nervous dog, especially around loud noises. He’ll be celebrating his second birthday on November 20th, which, in dog years, means he’s just had his bar mitzvah!
My Essential Vitamix Immersion Blender
One of my culinary specialties is what I affectionately call “garbage pail soup.” I simply toss any leftover cauliflower, onions, potatoes, and leeks into a large pot, simmer them in vegetable or chicken broth, and once cooked, I use my immersion blender directly in the pot. Voila!
My Stage Companion: The Amigo Mobility Scooter
This is my trusty companion on stage. Audiences used to hesitate clapping too enthusiastically when I used crutches, worried it would be tough for me to keep coming out for bows. As a result, I’d get three or four fewer curtain calls. But now, I simply zoom onto the stage, take a bow, zoom off, and then zoom right back out again!
My Convenient ADA-Compliant Van
It’s incredibly simple: I push a button, the ramp extends, I roll into the van, the ramp retracts, I transfer to the driver’s seat, and off I go!
The Unforgettable Theme from ‘Schindler’s List’
I remember receiving a call from John Williams, who informed me he was composing the music for a film called “Schindler’s List.” I, rather foolishly, told him I’d need to think about participating. My wife, Toby, reacted instantly, exclaiming, “Are you out of your mind? You’re actually going to consider it?” Naturally, I called him back immediately. Now, wherever I perform—be it in Europe, the Far East, or the United States—everyone insists that I play it.
My Love for Zabar’s
Zabar’s offers incredible smoked salmon. The only challenge is the overwhelming number of choices, but thankfully, they usually offer a taste. It truly depends on the specific fish, so you have to make a decision—on a scale of one to ten! Get it?
The Dynamic Duo: Garlic and Onion
These two are the foundational ingredients for almost any dish you could imagine. They’re an absolute culinary no-brainer.
My Invaluable Wife, Toby
I consider myself incredibly fortunate to have a partner who shares my deep passion for music, someone truly on the same wavelength. I can always trust her to give me honest feedback about my performances. This kind of candid insight is invaluable and incredibly rare. Even after all these years, I feel so blessed to have a partner who has been both an unwavering supporter and a true critic throughout my entire career.