SALZMAN, PNINA

SALZMAN, PNINA (1924–), Israeli pianist. Born in Tel Aviv, Salzman began her music studies at the Shulamit Conservatory with Lina Hopenko. Alfred Cortot, on tour in Israel, heard her and immediately recommended that she study in Paris at the Ecole Normale de Musique under his supervision, where she graduated at the age of 12. She then studied at the Conservatoire National de Musique in Paris, and at 14 won   a premier prix. At 15 she made her concert debut. bronislaw huberman attended one of her concerts and wrote to the Israel Philharmonic Orchestra to engage the brilliant young pianist. Salzman played three concertos with the IPO in one evening and was greatly acclaimed. From then on, she regularly performed with the orchestra in Israel and toured other countries. Salzman is an artist of great versatility, known for her brilliant virtuosity as an orchestral soloist, a recital pianist, and an enthusiastic performer of chamber music. She was considered the first Israeli-born pianist to attain international artistic rank. In 1963 she was the first Israeli invited to perform in the U.S.S.R. Again, in 1994, she was the first Israeli pianist invited to play in China. Professor Salzman was head of the piano department of the Rubin Academy of Music at Tel Aviv University and was constantly invited to give master classes at important music centers abroad. She was frequently requested to act as a jury member at international piano competitions. In 2006 she received the Israel Prize. -BIBLIOGRAPHY: NG2; B.I. Meir, "Pnina Salzman: Her Career and Interpretive Art" (DMA Diss., 2000). (Naama Ramot (2nd ed.)