Zukerman, Pinchas << ZOO kur mahn, PIHNG kuhs >> (1948-…), is an Israeli-born violinist, violist, and conductor of international fame. His performances are distinguished by his unique interpretations of the standard repertoire as well as less familiar music.
Zukerman was born on July 16, 1948, in Tel Aviv. He began studying at the Israel Conservatory at the age of 8. In 1962, he went to New York City to study on an American-Israel Cultural Foundation scholarship. Early in his career, his effortless technique distinguished him as a natural player. From 1965 to 1969, he studied music at the Juilliard School in New York City. He made his New York debut as a violinist in 1969. Zukerman first appeared as a conductor in 1974 with the English Chamber Orchestra and the Aspen Chamber Symphony. He became a U.S. citizen in 1976. Zukerman served as director of the St. Paul Chamber Orchestra in Minnesota from 1980 to 1987. He became the music director of the National Arts Centre Orchestra of Canada in 1998.
