By the time most people are 50, retirement starts to crop into their mind. The thought of leisurely spending their days gardening or playing golf occupies a warm corner of the brain. But for world renowned violinist Itzhak Perlman, who celebrated his 50th birthday in August, his career that has spanned more than a quarter of a century, is finding a new resurgence.

The release of four new major recordings and a touring schedule that finds Perlman performing in the U.S., Europe, South America and Japan is only part of the great celebrations currently underway. One of his U.S. stops includes Ames where Perlman will unleash his musical furor in the 1995-96 season opener at Stephens Auditorium Sunday, Sept. 17.

“As always, we’re really excited for the beginning of a new season. But this season we’re even a little bit more excited than usual,” said Sara Huber, Performing Arts Coordinator at Stephens. “The ISU Foundation has finished the renovations and this concert will showcase the new Stephens. It will be a way of celebrating the renovations, such as the new carpet and seats. And it’s a good accomplishment to get such a big name.”

Born in Israel in 1945, Perlman had already begun playing the violin when polio crippled him at the age of four. His formal musical training started at the Academy of Music in Tel-Aviv. In 1958, Perlman moved to America where he continued his studies at the Julliard School in New York under the tutelage of Ivan Galamian and Dorothy DeLay.

Like many musical artist before him, he was introduced to the American public via “The Ed Sullivan Show.” His international career was launched in 1964 when he won the prestigious Leventritt Competition.

What makes Perlman so unique is his special rapport with his listeners. “He communicates his music really well to the audience, they understand his message,” Huber said.

“It’s a good feeling for both him and the audience.”

EMI Classics has honored Perlman by making him “Artist of the Year 1995.” In May, The Itzhak Perlman Collection, a 20-CD retrospective box set, was released and serves as the definitive collection of this premiere violinist.

In October, EMI Classics will release another new disc focusing on a personal selection of Perlman’s favorite show pieces in the violin repertoire. The disc will include works by Sarasate, Wieniawski, Kreisler and Glazunov.

The haunting sounds of Perlman’s violin can also be heard on the Schindler’s List soundtrack where he collaborated with film score composer John Williams.

Joining Perlman on stage will be pianist Samuel Sanders. The two have had a 29-year relationship that has resulted in 12 recordings, two of which were awarded Grammys.

Tickets are on sale now for the Sunday, September 17 show at the Iowa State Center Box Office (located in Stephens Auditorium), all TicketMaster centers or charge by phone at (515)233-1888. Showtime is 3 p.m.