Top violinist apologises after making ‘culturally insensitive’ comments about Asian people in Juilliard class
‘I learned something valuable from this,’ Pinchas Zukerman said
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Top violinist Pinchas Zukerman has issued an apology after making “culturally insensitive” comments about Asian people while teaching a masterclass at Juilliard.
Video of the masterclass on Friday had been withheld, with the performing arts school appearing to distance itself from the prominent musician following his offensive remarks, first reported by Violinist.com.
According to the publication, Mr Zukerman made the comments after two sister violinists, both from New York, performed a piece that he described as “almost too perfect”.
“I mean that as a compliment,” he reportedly said, before saying: “Think less about how perfect to play and to play together, and more about phrasing. A little more vinegar – or soy sauce!”
The violinist then went on to say: “Sometimes if you have a question about how to play it, sing it,” before asserting: “I know in Korea, they don’t sing.”
When one of the violinists said she was “not Korean”, but of partial Japanese descent, Mr Zukerman reportedly responded: “In Japan they don’t sing either”.
He then “mimicked a sing-song vocal style that has been stereotyped as Asian”, according to Violinist.com, before saying: “That is not singing. Violin is not a machine”.
On Monday, the top violinist issued an apology for his comments, The New York Times reported.
“In Friday’s master class, I was trying to communicate something to these two incredibly talented young musicians, but the words I used were culturally insensitive,” he reportedly said, adding “I’m writing to the students personally to apologise.”
“I am sorry that I made anyone uncomfortable. I cannot undo that, but I offer a sincere apology,” he continued.
“I learned something valuable from this, and I will do better in the future,” the violinist added.
Hyeyung Yoon, a violinist who recently founded the Asian Musical Voices of America, told NYT Mr Zukerman’s remarks were representative of thinking that “dehumanises a group of people without actually getting to know who they are”.
“It’s so prevalent in classical music, but also prevalent in the larger society,” she said.
According to the publication, Juilliard appeared to distance itself from Mr Zukerman after the class, referring to him as a guest instructor and asserting that his remarks were not representative of the school’s values.
Violinist.com editor Laurie Niles said the school took the “appropriate course” by not releasing the video.
“This was a virtual event, but if I’m honest, if it had been live I would have stood up and walked out of the hall,” the editor wrote. “Instead I lay down on the couch next to my computer and put my hands over my face as the class continued.”
The Independent has contacted Juilliard for comment.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments