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Violinist Pinchas Zukerman has a firm idea of how the job of conducting an orchestra should be done. Rule one: "It's important to remember not to get in the way. Zukerman opens
symphony seasonBy Stephanie Kendrick
Star-Bulletin"Once you start the car it doesn't need you. It just needs you to direct."
He's not being a prima donna. As well as performing as a soloist, Zukerman has been a conductor for 30 years and is currently music director of the National Arts Centre Orchestra of Canada.
He will be in soloist mode at the Honolulu Symphony's gala opener tonight. He has appeared in Hawaii before, but has never worked with the symphony's music director Sam Wong.
Wong is looking forward to the encounter and respects Zukerman's philosophy.
"That's absolutely true. I'm of the same way," said Wong. "I'm not a micromanager."
Zukerman will play Beethoven's Violin Concerto in D Major, which he praised for its elegance.
"It's a very simple piece, but what it does is amazing. It shows Beethoven's genius," Zukerman said.
"Genius" is a word often used to describe Zukerman, who has released more than 100 audio recordings, garnering 21 Grammy nominations and two awards.
"He is precise and passionate at the same time," said Wong. "He is traditional and innovative."
Zukerman has conducted many of the world's leading orchestras since first raising his baton in 1970 with the English Chamber Orchestra. And he performs as a soloist regularly with a host of orchestras around the world, including the Berlin Philharmonic, Boston Symphony, English Chamber Orchestra, London Symphony, Los Angeles Philharmonic, New York Philharmonic and Toronto Symphony, to name a few.
As music director, Wong takes great pride in the fact that invitations from the Honolulu Symphony are accepted by artists of Zukerman's caliber, but he is quick to point out the symphony season is about more than names on a playbill.
"We mustn't forget it's the music that's truly great," said Wong.
Beethoven's Symphony No. 4 in B-flat minor opens the Honolulu Symphony's concert this evening. Tickets are still available for the 7:30 p.m. show.
On stage
What: Honolulu Symphony season opener, featuring Pinchas Zukerman
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