It’s the middle of Hanukkah when we talk, but beloved violinist and music icon Itzhak Perlman is working.

Speaking by phone from his New York City home, the Israeli-born star is about to leave for the 2½-week winter residency at the Perlman Music Program in Sarasota, Fla. Then he’ll head to Los Angeles, where he’ll be both soloist and conductor with the L.A. Philharmonic at Disney Hall for performances Jan. 11 through 13. The program includes a work by Brahms, his “early-childhood falling-in-love-with” favorite composer.

“Itzhak,” a recent documentary on the multiple Grammy and Emmy winner, has its California premiere this week at the Palm Springs International Film Festival and runs on PBS’ American Masters next year.

Perlman, engaging as ever at 72, spoke about being the subject of a documentary (twice), why listening is the essential skill needed for playing and conducting, and why YouTube sometimes moves him to tears. READ MORE