Norm & Company is a half-hour series hosted by WXXI President Norm Silverstein. In each episode, Norm speaks with a long-time Rochesterian as he/she recounts fascinating stories about Western New York. Guest this episode is TBA.
Airs 6/28 at 8:30 p.m. (repeats 6/29 at 6:30 p.m.)
From Schubert to Strauss, Bach to Brahms, Mozart to…Billy Joel, Itzhak Perlman’s violin playing transcends mere performance to evoke the celebrations and struggles of real life. The documentary provides an intimate, cinema vérité look at the remarkable life and career of this musician, widely considered the world’s greatest violinist. The film looks beyond the 16-time Grammy-winning musician to see the polio survivor whose parents emigrated from Poland to Israel, and the young man who struggled to be taken seriously as a music student when schools saw only his disability. In the film, Perlman’s life story unfolds through conversations with fellow musicians and friends, including Billy Joel, Alan Alda, pianist Martha Argerich, cellist Mischa Maisky, and his wife of 50 years, Toby. The Perlmans dedicate their lives to their large Jewish family in New York City, shared love for music and continual support of young musicians. American Masters: Itzhak is a portrait of musical virtuosity that explores themes of Jewish identity, Jewish history, humor and love.
Airs 6/28 at 9 p.m.
Have you ever wondered what the inspiration was behind a painting, how a sculptor came up with an idea, or what that photographer saw just before capturing the shot? Whether you’re an art lover, crazy about culture, or just plain inquisitive about things, Arts InFocus brings you intimate conversations with people who create art or curate it. Rochester is home to a thriving arts and cultural community and WXXI is proud to spotlight emerging artists, seasoned professionals, and well established arts organizations in our region.
Airs 6/21 at 8:30 p.m. (repeats 6/23 at 3:30 p.m.)
Redeeming Uncle Tom: The Josiah Henson Story tells the story of Josiah Henson (voiced by actor Danny Glover), the real-life inspiration for Uncle Tom in Harriet Beecher Stowe’s classic 1852 novel, which has been recognized as one of the sparks that ignited the Civil War. Josiah Henson was born into slavery near Port Tobacco, Maryland around 1789. As a child, he was sold to Isaac Riley, who later appointed him superintendent of the farm at an unusually young age because of Henson’s strength and intelligence. Riley entrusted Henson with exceptional responsibilities and permitted him to become a preacher in the Methodist Episcopal Church. However, when Henson attempted to buy his freedom, Riley cheated him and made plans to sell him south. Fearing separation from his family, he fled north with his wife and children in the summer of 1830. After escaping through Ohio and New York, they eventually settled in Ontario, Canada.
Airs 6/28 at 2-3 a.m.