At what age did you begin playing a musical instrument?
I began playing the violin and piano at age 5, but my parents had already examined my hands at age six months and that is when they bought me my viola. It remained under the bed until I was big enough to play it.

At what age did you understand that you wish to pursue a musical career?
Rather than deciding that music was a “career” I would say that I always knew that music would permeate my entire life. “Doing what you love” for a living is a privilege.

Name an unforgettable moment with the IPO
Playing “Hatiqva” with the orchestra in Warsaw after having visited Auschwitz. Never have I more fully understood the weight and meaning of the Israel Philharmonic being THE premiere cultural ambassador of the State of Israel than in that moment.

What do you love to do off stage?
I am very devoted to my family, many of whom are unfortunately extremely far away. Since the beginning of the pandemic I have taken up yoga to replace walking outside, especially during lockdowns, and I love it! I am an interviewer for Yale College, and I also teach at the Buchmann-Mehta School of music and lately have been giving masterclasses and lessons via Zoom to students all over the world.

Which kind of music would we find on your playlist?
Anything played by Murray Perahia, especially Bach, chamber music, great orchestral performances, Fats Waller and anything composed by my daughter Noa Beazley!

What is the special significance of the IPO to you/Why did you want to be part of the IPO?
I have wanted to make Aliyah since age 10. I have played music in ensembles my entire life. First with my family quartet, and then throughout Yale and Juilliard I constantly played in chamber music and in orchestras. The only logical aspiration was to fuse both loves, music and Israel, by playing in the IPO. I truly have fulfilled my dream.

Did you acquire any new skills during the pandemic?
I have become proficient at “Downward Dog” and am trying to improve my skills in Home Economics!

How can we keep classical music and live performances relevant in the digital era?
There is no substitute for the thrill of live performances. You cannot reach the decibel level of a symphony orchestra in your living room without having the neighbors phone the police to complain. During one of the brief periods of time we were permitted to play concerts for very few, on more than one occasion people followed me out of the Artists’ Entrance, in order to thank us profusely for having brought back live performances. They are ravenous for the taste of live music. Digital concerts are frequently perfect representations of the music in a score, but nothing can replace the physical sensation of the vibrations of sound, and the “danger” of taking risks during a live performance and somehow musically going over the top.

Something you wish to share about yourself?
I am grateful to Rabbi Adina Lewittes for sharing this interview with me with the wider public.
https://www.dropbox.com/s/josqc4f65wer5c0/Interview%20with%20Miriam%20Hartman%20IPO%20-%202020-11.mp4?dl=0