Learning From Performers To Host Violinist Isaac Stern

October 07, 1999

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The Learning From Performers series will honor musician Isaac Stern on Monday, Oct. 25, in an event moderated by Nobel laureate Dudley Herschbach, Frank B. Baird Jr. Professor of Science. Titled "My First 79 Years: a Conversation with Violinist Isaac Stern," the discussion of Stern’s life and art will take place at Lowell Hall at the corner of Kirkland and Oxford streets at 7 p.m.

Stern is recognized worldwide as one of the foremost violinists of this century. Throughout his more than 50 years as a musician, he has appeared on the world’s most prestigious concert stages, guided the careers of countless young musicians, and devoted himself to the advancement of the arts nationally and internationally. The Learning From Performers event coincides with the publication this fall of Stern’s autobiography, co-written with Chaim Potok and published by Knopf.

Born in Kreminiecz, Russia, in 1920, Stern came to the United States with his parents when he was 10 months old. Raised and educated in San Francisco, he started playing the violin at age 8. He began his career with his recital debut at age 13, and in 1936 made his formal orchestral debut playing the Brahms Violin Concerto with the San Francisco Symphony conducted by Pierre Monteux. His New York recital debut followed at Town Hall in 1937, and in 1943 he made his debut at Carnegie Hall. Countless recitals, concerts, recordings, awards, and honors later, Stern continues to sell out concert halls.

Ticket distribution for this event is restricted to Harvard ID-holders only (students, faculty, and staff); tickets are available at the Harvard Box Office in Holyoke Center for free on a first-come, first-served basis beginning Monday, Oct. 11. There is a limit of two tickets for each person with a Harvard ID. For more information, contact program coordinator Thomas Lee at (617) 495-8676.