Great Musicians of Our Time, Pinchas Zukerman: Here to Make Music
PBS Western Reserve (WNEO 45.1 / WEAO 49.1):
Friday, Oct. 16, at 9:30 PM
Saturday, Oct. 17, at 2:30 AM
Fusion (WNEO 45.2 / WEAO 49.2):
Sunday, Oct. 18, at 4 PM
Tuesday, Oct. 20, at 8 PM
This six-part series offers intimate portraits of six of the most influential and celebrated classical music artists: violinists Itzhak Perlman and Pinchas Zukerman, guitarist Andrés Segovia, and pianists Vladimir Ashkenazy, Evgeny Kissin and Daniil Trifonov. Rich in archival footage and filled with candid moments, each episode is a historically important record of a great artist — mostly in their own words — as they reflect on their careers and dazzle with unforgettable performances from around the world. GREAT MUSICIANS OF OUR TIME opens with “Itzhak Perlman: Virtuoso Violinist,” followed by episode 2, “Pinchas Zukerman: Here to Make Music.” Additional episodes of the series premiere in 2027.
GREAT MUSICIANS OF OUR TIME is a tribute to the work of filmmaker Christopher Nupen, who emerged in the 1960s as a pioneer of a new genre of classical music film. Using the first lightweight, silent 16mm film camera, he recorded musicians in close quarters — both backstage and in concert — for the first time. The effects were dramatic, providing new and intimate insights into the workings of great artists and their music-making. Along with the exploding popularity of public television, his films brought music to many people for the first time in their lives.
Episode 2: “Pinchas Zukerman: Here to Make Music”
Remastered from 16mm film to create a definitive feature-length documentary, this episode showcases the early development and charisma of the Israeli-American violinist, violist and conductor, whose celebrated career has endured over five decades. Shot over a period of seven years (1967-1974) on location in Italy, Israel, Denmark, Germany, London and New York, the film documents the development of his talent, from its beginnings to early maturity. It includes sound recordings of Zukerman’s playing from the age of nine and filmed performances from the age of 19. It also traces the development of Zukerman’s relationship with the English Chamber Orchestra, which led him to conduct for the first time in 1970.
