Nov. 18--The Harris Theater for Music and Dance will host a conversation between superstar violinist and conductor Itzhak Perlman and Marca Bristo, president and CEO of the Chicago disability advocacy organization Access Living, the day of Perlman's concert with the Juilliard Orchestra at the theater on Jan. 6.
Topics are to include access, the arts and shifting attitudes toward disability during Perlman's life and career. Having contracted polio at age 4, Perlman has long been a prominent advocate for accessibility and a leading source of inspiration for musicians with and without disabilities.
Although the 12 noon conversation on Jan. 6 will be free and open to the public, the concert at 7:30 p.m. is a ticketed event. Perlman will conduct an all-Tchaikovsky program but is not scheduled to appear as soloist.
Perlman, 70, will add yet another honor to his long list Tuesday at the White House where he will be among 17 Presidential Medal of Freedom recipients. Others receiving the nation's highest civilian honor will include director Steven Spielberg, entertainer Barbra Streisand, baseball legend Willie Mays and composer Stephen Sondheim. President Obama will present the awards.
