IN CONCERT
What: Pinchas Zukerman
with the National Arts Centre Orchestra
When: 8 p.m., Saturday
Where: Royal Theatre
Tickets: $35 to $155
For more information: Call 250-385-6515
or visit victoriasymphony.ca
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Pinchas Zukerman is famous for being bold -- as a world-renowned solo violinist, teacher and music director of the National Arts Centre Orchestra in Ottawa.
When it comes to the subject of arts funding, given the recent $45-million federal cuts to programs and cuts to classical music on CBC, he is not shy on his position.
"I don't know anything about funding," said the Israeli-born Zukerman, on a conference call from Paris. "I just know about music."
Zukerman said funding is only part of a healthy arts culture; it's what you do with it that matters.
"Everybody thinks I have this long arm that I can stretch out and get more money," he said. "I'm not wasting time with that when I do lots of things like education and performance."
These "things" bring him and the NAC Orchestra to Victoria this weekend for a joint fundraiser with the Victoria Symphony, featuring Zukerman performing Mozart's Violin Concerto No. 3.
The group will also lead nine master classes with principal players, Zukerman and pianist Jon Kimura Parker.
"These showcases put seeds in everywhere ... Give a child an instrument and they will be better off. Societies everywhere have proven that."
One young person Zukerman has inspired is Victoria violinist Nikki Chooi, 18, who joins the NAC Orchestra on the Western ÎÚÑ»´«Ã½ tour as a soloist in Whitehorse, Edmonton and Spruce Grove, Alta.
He met Zukerman when he was 14 years old through an Internet lesson arranged by local philanthropist Eric Charman, who also organized this weekend's fundraising concert.
"I never had a broadband experience before that, so it was a thrill for me to meet one of the most respected figures in the music industry on screen," Chooi said by e-mail. A few months after the lesson, he was invited to attend the National Arts Centre's Young Artist Summer Program in Ottawa.
"I learned a lot about sound production and technique from Mr. Zukerman. He always says, 'Your sound is your bank account.' The better your sound is, the better the chances in your career will be."
Zukerman, who has performed around the world, won two Grammy Awards and calls Itzhak Perlman a close friend, stands by this simple key to a successful career.
"I've been doing this for many years -- opening up my violin case," he said. "The best advice I've followed is to 'show up and play in tune.' "
When comes to playing politics, Zukerman is adamant culture will win in the end.
"The rhetoric will turn around," Zukerman said about Prime Minister Stephen Harper's comment that the arts community is a bunch of people "at a rich gala." Harper's wife Laureen did not make her regular appearance at the NAC gala a few days later, despite being honorary chair.
"I think they'll be back. Laureen is a terrific person."
Lt.-Gov. Steven L. Point will honour Zukerman at a gala event in Victoria this evening at Government House. Look for photos in Around Town in Sunday's ÎÚÑ»´«Ã½.
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MASTER CLASSES
Saturday Master classes with Pinchas Zukerman, Jon Kimura Parker and members of the National Arts Centre Orchestra:
Victoria Conservatory of Music
- 1 p.m. Violin with Pinchas Zukerman
- 3 p.m. Piano with Jon Kimura Parker
University of Victoria
- 10 a.m. Composition lecture/master class with Alexina Louie
- 1:30 p.m. Flute with Camille Churchfield
- 1:30 p.m. Bassoon with Christopher Millard
- 1:30 p.m. French horn with Lawrence Vine
- 1:30 p.m. Trumpet with Karen Donnelly
- 1:30 p.m. Low brass with Nicholas Atkinson
- 1:30 p.m. Double bass with Joel Quarrington
