Itzhak Perlman Biography: Age, Wife, Children, Net Worth, Parents, Height, Awards, Songs, Albums

Itzhak Perlman is a talented Israeli-American violinist, conductor, and music educator known for his extraordinary virtuosity, warm tone, and mastery of the classical violin repertoire.

A polio survivor who overcame physical challenges to achieve global acclaim, he has performed with major orchestras worldwide, recorded extensively, and contributed to film scores like Schindler’s List, establishing himself as one of the most celebrated violinists of the modern era.

Quick Facts

• Full Name: Itzhak Perlman
• Stage Name: Itzhak Perlman
• Born: August 31, 1945
• Age: 80 years old
• Birthplace: Tel Aviv, Mandatory Palestine
• Nationality: Israeli-American
• Ethnicity: Jewish (Polish descent)
• Occupation: Violinist, Conductor, Music Educator
• Height: Unknown
• Religion: Judaism
• Parents: Chaim Perlman and Shoshana Perlman
• Siblings: Unknown
• Spouse: Toby Friedlander
• Children: Five
• Relationship: Married
• Net Worth: $5 million USD

Early Life and Education

Itzhak Perlman was born on August 31, 1945, in Tel Aviv, Mandatory Palestine. Raised by his parents, Chaim Perlman and Shoshana Perlman, who were Jewish immigrants from Poland arriving in the mid-1930s. There is no verified information about his siblings.

At age three, he became fascinated by the violin after hearing it on the radio and expressed his desire to play it. At age four, he contracted polio, resulting in permanent disability to his legs; he has used crutches or braces since and plays seated.

He began formal violin studies at age five at the Shulamit Conservatory and Academy of Music in Tel Aviv. In 1958, at age 13, he moved to the United States on an America-Israel Cultural Foundation scholarship to study at the Juilliard School with Ivan Galamian and Dorothy DeLay. His ethnicity is Jewish with Polish heritage. His religion is Judaism.

Career

Itzhak Perlman first rose to prominence as a child prodigy, appearing on The Ed Sullivan Show in 1958. He won the Leventritt Competition in 1964, launching his international career with debuts at Carnegie Hall and engagements with major orchestras.

He has performed the core violin repertoire, including concertos by Beethoven, Brahms, Tchaikovsky, and Mendelssohn, as well as chamber music, klezmer, and jazz.

Perlman has recorded extensively across labels like Deutsche Grammophon, EMI, and Warner Classics, with complete box sets released for milestones like his 80th birthday. He played the iconic violin solos in John Williams‘ score for Schindler’s List (1993) and Memoirs of a Geisha (2005).

He has conducted orchestras and taught at Juilliard. With his wife Toby, he co-founded the Perlman Music Program in 1994 for young string musicians. His career spans over six decades of concerts, recordings, education, and media appearances.

Awards and Nominations

• 16 Grammy Awards (including Lifetime Achievement Award)
• 4 Emmy Awards
• Presidential Medal of Freedom (2015)
• Kennedy Center Honors
• Genesis Prize
• National Medal of Arts

Social Media

• Itzhak Perlman does not have a social media account.

Personal Life

Itzhak Perlman, 80, is a talented Israeli-American violinist, conductor, and music educator. He married violinist Toby Friedlander on December 31, 1966. They have five children and live in New York City. His height is unknown.

Currently married, Perlman is a devoted family man, observant Jew, and advocate for polio eradication and disability rights, often sharing his experiences of overcoming challenges through music and education.

Net Worth

Itzhak Perlman is a talented Israeli-American violinist, conductor, and music educator. His net worth is estimated at $5 million USD.

His income primarily comes from concert performances and tours, recording royalties from extensive discography, film score contributions, teaching and masterclasses at institutions like Juilliard, the Perlman Music Program, conducting engagements, endorsements, and media appearances.

Discography

• Schindler’s List (1993, violin soloist)
• Memoirs of a Geisha (2005, violin soloist)
• Various recordings: Complete Deutsche Grammophon (25 discs, 2025)
• Complete Warner Recordings (77 discs)
• Beethoven, Brahms, Tchaikovsky Violin Concertos
• Mozart Violin Concertos
• Bach Sonatas and Partitas
• Klezmer and jazz collaborations