When Pauline Martin, artistic director of the Chamber Soloists of Detroit, first heard Israeli violinist Itamar Zorman perform at the 2012 Great Lakes Chamber Music Festival, she was very impressed. “I thought he was a fabulous young talent and it’s exciting to present emerging artists,” she said.
Those who attended the Chamber Soloists March 9th concert are very grateful that Martin recognized Zorman’s talent and was able to bring him to the Detroit area for his first local recital. The concert featuring Zorman and Martin evoked excited, warm praise. One audience member described it as “the very best concert I have heard in a long time!”
Many other concert goers were equally enthusiastic:
It truly was a special afternoon. What great rapport you had with each other and that silky, almost ethereal sound of his very lovely violin was magical.
Itamar Zorman’s recital was superb. The Brahms especially was well done, so musical—in fact the best performance I have heard.
The afternoon began with a Bach violin sonata that paid attention to mostly calm, thoughtful reflections. Romance, excitement and intrigue were added incrementally until an other-worldly expression by Ravel ended the formal proceeding. A sweet lullaby for an encore brought us gently back to earth.
Pauline has done it again, presented a concert paced and executed superbly.
After the concert, audience members enjoyed refreshments and a chance to learn more about the music and the performers at a Talk Back question and answer session. Zorman reflected on his evolution as a musician: “I really enjoy practicing now, solving problems. When you are young, practicing is not fun.” He shared his unusual musical experiences as an Israeli soldier, which helped him gain confidence. After playing concerts on a cheap army violin “in the middle of the desert,” there are few challenges that Zorman is not poised and ready to meet. Now, he told the audience, he plays on a loaned 1745 Pietro Guarneri violin.