Uploaded February 2026 | Updated September 2026, 1 week ago
Violinist James Zabawa-Martinez opens up about his life as a musician, reflecting on long practice sessions, battles with stage fright, and the passion that keeps him performing. Born in Austin, James knew from an early age that he wanted to play the violin. Now, he is particularly inspired by seeing young people in the audience, reminding him of why music is important.
Music performed:
Symphony No. 5 in E minor, Op. 64 by Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky
Caprice in E major, “L’arpeggio,” Op. 1, No. 1 by Niccolò Paganini
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#GreatPerformancesPBS
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The only continuing primetime performance showcase on American television, Great Performances presents a diverse programming portfolio of classical music, opera, popular song, musical theater, dance, drama, and performance documentaries. With its programs garnering 67 Emmy Awards and six George Foster Peabody Awards, the series has received every major television honor.
Regardless of geographic or economic limitations, Great Performances ensures its audiences “the best seats in the house” with a roster of artists and performing arts companies that represent a “Who’s Who” of excellence and virtuosity in the international performing arts.
Violinist James Zabawa-Martinez opens up about his life as a musician, reflecting on long practice sessions, battles with stage fright, and the passion that keeps him performing. Born in Austin, James knew from an early age that he wanted to play the violin. Now, he is particularly inspired by seeing young people in the audience, reminding him of why music is important.
Music performed:
Symphony No. 5 in E minor, Op. 64 by Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky
Caprice in E major, “L’arpeggio,” Op. 1, No. 1 by Niccolò Paganini
Please like & subscribe now if you enjoyed: youtube.com/channel/UCZri-Y6aBcTFrxYMF_ghXQA
This program is made possible by viewers like you. Please support your local PBS station: pbs.org/donate
Watch full episodes and more: pbs.org/greatperformances
Instagram: instagram.com/pbsgreatperformances
Facebook: facebook.com/greatperformances
Newsletter: pbs.org/wnet/gperf/newsletter
#GreatPerformancesPBS
-----------------
The only continuing primetime performance showcase on American television, Great Performances presents a diverse programming portfolio of classical music, opera, popular song, musical theater, dance, drama, and performance documentaries. With its programs garnering 67 Emmy Awards and six George Foster Peabody Awards, the series has received every major television honor.
Regardless of geographic or economic limitations, Great Performances ensures its audiences “the best seats in the house” with a roster of artists and performing arts companies that represent a “Who’s Who” of excellence and virtuosity in the international performing arts.
