Zukerman Trio Performs at the Chicago Symphony Center

On March 7, 2026, the Zukerman Trio performed at the Chicago Symphony Center. Below is the program and my review.

Program

Zukerman Trio — March 7, 2026
Chicago Symphony Center

Works performed

• Mendelssohn: Piano Trio No. 1 in D minor, Op. 49
  • Molto allegro ed agitato
  • Andante con moto tranquillo
  • Scherzo: Leggiero e vivace
  • Finale: Allegro assai appassionato
• Higdon: Pale Yellow (from Piano Trio)
• Intermission
• Dvořák: Dumky for piano, violin, and cello, Op. 90
  • Lento maestoso — Allegro vivace, quasi doppio movimento
  • Poco adagio — Vivace non troppo
  • Andante — Vivace non troppo
  • Andante moderato (quasi tempo di marcia) — Allegretto scherzando
  • Allegro
  • Lento maestoso — Vivace, quasi doppio movimento

Notes & reactions

Pinchas Zukerman is one of the greats. I have watched videos of him performing with Itzhak Perlman and giving masterclasses online, but I had never had the chance to hear him in person. When I found out that he was coming to Chicago for one day to give a chamber music recital, I knew I had to get my hands on a ticket.

Mendelssohn: Piano Trio No. 1 in D minor, Op. 49

Mendelssohn is arguably one of the best composers of chamber music. The Mendelssohn trio is a classic, and the interpretation that was delivered did not try to do anything unusual. All of the players did an excellent job. What stood out most to me was finally hearing Zukerman’s tone in person. I felt like I had teleported back to the golden age of violin playing. His bowing style and articulation are incredibly distinctive. His vibrato is similar to Itzhak Perlman’s, though used more carefully.

Higdon: Pale Yellow

The second piece of the night was a contemporary work by a respected composer. I have not listened to much Higdon, but I was aware of the concept behind her Piano Trio. I enjoyed the textures of the piece. The idea is to encapsulate color in music. I have heard people with synesthesia describe sound as color; I do not have that ability, but the piece helped me imagine what that experience might be like. The composer herself wrote that her process is similar to painting, but with music, and I found that concept intriguing.

I do not know this music well enough to make a firm judgment, but this piece seemed to be the least prepared by the group. I will have to listen to a recording to be sure, but it is worth noting.

Dvořák: Dumky for piano, violin, and cello, Op. 90

The highlight of the concert for me was the incredible Dumky Trio. This is one of my all-time favorite piano trios. Dvořák is an amazing composer who somehow understood the capabilities of every instrument he wrote for. He was a violist, yet he still managed to write extraordinary parts for the woodwinds and the strings.

In this piece, the pianist really shined and showcased his virtuosity as well as his ability to carry the lyrical themes. The cellist was equally impressive, with clear precision and color. Zukerman… what can I say? He is Pinchas Zukerman. He is amazing. I was especially struck by his bowing technique, which he often explains in his videos: catch and release. His sound is incredible, and I am glad I was able to hear him live.

Photo

Closing thoughts

There is often a debate about when performers should stop playing. Yehudi Menuhin, Ivry Gitlis, and Itzhak Perlman are names that often come up when people discuss artists who continue performing beyond their peak years. My view of Zukerman is that, even at 77, he still has his skills. There were only a few moments, especially in the Higdon, where I thought some inaccuracies occurred, but he still has his tone, intonation, and musical integrity. After this concert, I found myself wondering whether Zukerman’s ability to continue performing at this level is the result of his impeccable technique. His bowing is especially interesting. It almost looks as if he is stirring a pot: on the down-bow he moves away from himself, and on the up-bow he comes back toward himself. I admire both his technique and his taste in the use of slides and vibrato.