Violin virtuoso who survived polio as a child will perform in special benefit concert to fight the disease
Rotary International, violin virtuoso Itzhak Perlman and guest conductor James DePreist join members of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra to present the Concert to End Polio to benefit the global effort to eradicate this disabling childhood disease.
WHEN: The Concert to End Polio will take place at 7:30 p.m. Monday, March 7.
WHERE: Symphony Center, 220 S. Michigan Avenue. Chicago, IL 60604.
WHO: Violinist Itzhak Perlman, who survived polio as a child in Israel, will join acclaimed conductor and fellow polio survivor James DePreist and members of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra for the Concert to End Polio.
MEDIA: Limited pre-concert interview opportunities with Mr. Perlman are available. Requests for interviews and permission to video-record during rehearsal and/or the concert (up to 59 seconds) must be approved in advance.
PHOTO OP: Beginning at 6 p.m., the Michigan Avenue exterior of Symphony Center with be illuminated with Rotary's "End Polio Now" pledge. Symphony Center will join other iconic landmarks to recently carry the display, including the Sydney Opera House, London's Tower Bridge, the New York Stock Exchange, the Rome Coliseum, Egypt's Pyramid of Khafre, Chicago's Wrigley Building, the Obelisk in Argentina, and Trevi Fountain in Italy.
ADDITIONAL BACKGROUND: Polio eradication resonates strongly with Mr. Perlman, who contracted the disease at age four and overcame serious physical challenges to become one of the world's most celebrated musicians. In this historic, one-night-only performance, Mr. Perlman will help Rotary in its effort to raise $200 million to match a $355 million challenge grant from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. The resulting $555 million will fund critical eradication activities in developing countries where polio still threatens children.
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