The Westchester Philharmonic has just announced that its new musical director for the next three seasons is to be none other than Itzhak Perlman. The Westchester Philharmonic was born in 1983 as the New Orchestra of Westchester. It obtained its present name after several seasons.  From day-one the Westchester Philharmonic was a fully professional orchestra.  This was not an easy feat given that  White Plains, NY was a shopping Mecca/ commuter destination/ bedroom community with little nightlife during those early years.  Nevertheless, the Westchester Philharmonic distinguished itself quickly and many illustrious guest artists have graced its home stage at the Performing Arts Center at Purchase College.  These include, Isaac Stern, Itzhak Perlman, Frederica von Stade, and Andre Watts.

Retiring conductor Paul Lustig Dunkel has been the musical director from the inception. He is known for his support of contemporary composers and talent which he has been a common thread throughout his tenure with the Westchester Philharmonic. His impeccable ear for modern music led to national recognition for both him and  the Philharmonic.  For example, the Concerto for Flute, Strings and Percussion by Melinda Wagner premiered during the Westchester Philharmonics 1998 season. It won the Pulitzer Prize for composition in 1999. The performance was repeated in Carnegie Hall and many other national venues with Mr. Dunkel as the soloist.

Itzhak Perlman hardly needs an introduction.  A virtuoso violinist, Perlman has a achieved a superstar status  that few performing artists ever achieve.  Mr. Perlman was born in Israel in 1945, trained at the Academy of Music in Tel Aviv and then at the Julliard School.  He achieved international fame on the Ed Sullivan Show in 1958.  Perlman has had a career that has taken him around the world, where he has appeared with every major orchestra. His conducting career has included performances with the New York Philharmonic, Chicago Symphony, Boston Symphony, Los Angeles Philharmonic, The New World Symphony, and the London Philharmonic to name only a few. 

Itzhak Perlman will become the artistic director of the Westchester Philharmonic beginning with the 2008-2009 season.  He will conduct the Philharmonic for three of the five programs they perform each year for the next three years.  His debut performance will be on October 11, 2008.