Itzhak&Toby Lynn Perlman to Receive Honorary Doctorates at CIM Commencement

The Cleveland Institute of Music (CIM) will add two more musical legends to its illustrious list of honorary doctorates at the 86th Annual Commencement Ceremony on May 14 in the Institute’s Kulas Hall.

President Joel Smirnoff will confer approximately 155 Bachelor and Master of Music degrees, Doctoral of Musical Arts degrees, Artist Certificates, Artist Diplomas and Professional Studies Diplomas upon the 2011 graduates at a ceremony that will also present violin virtuoso Itzhak Perlman with an honorary doctorate. Perlman will be joined by his wife, Toby Lynn, in receiving an honorary degree and giving the Commencement Address.

The Perlmans, both violinists, founded The Perlman Music Program on the belief that the talent of young musicians needs to be supported. According to The Perlman Program website, instruction and mentoring are crucial to the development of talent – without them, even the most exceptional young artists will struggle to reach their full musical potential.

“Within its first ten years, The Program, also called Toby’s Dream, has become an important and invaluable international musical educational asset,” said Smirnoff. “And like our beloved Institute, it’s a school where learning takes place within a loving and insightful environment.” Two members of CIM’s resident Cavani String Quartet are on the faculty of The Program.

Itzhak Perlman enjoys superstar status rarely afforded to a classical musician. He performed at the Inauguration of President Barack Obama, received the Medal of Liberty in 1986 from President Reagan and was awarded the National Medal of Arts by President Clinton.

A passionate advocate for arts and education, Toby Lynn Perlman has appeared as a frequent guest speaker for other educational institutions such as Public Television, The University of Michigan, The Juilliard School, Chamber Music America and others. Before founding The Program with her husband, she raised five children.

The Perlmans have eight grandchildren.

The 2011 Commencement Ceremony at CIM is not open to the public.

CIM’s Commencement is preceded by Honors Convocation, Friday, May 13 at 4:30 p.m. in Mixon Hall. The Convocation ceremony honors student and alumni achievements and features musical performances.

Being recognized at this year’s Convocation are the following alumni: Maurice Kaplow, recently retired from the New York City Ballet; Major Dwayne S. Milburn, assigned to the U.S. Army Band “Pershing’s Own”; and Margo Tatgenhorst Drakos, co-founder and COO of InstantEncore.com.