Collier's New Encyclopedia (1921)/Heifetz, Jascha

HEIFETZ, JASCHA, a Russian violinist, born at Vilna, Russia, in 1901. He began studying the violin at the age of 3, and at 5 years of age entered the Royal School of Music at Vilna. He continued to study at St. Petersburg and made his first public appearance at the age of 5. At 9 years of age he gave a recital in St. Petersburg and was engaged for solo work with the Symphony Orchestra. He later appeared in the leading cities of Germany, Austria, and Russia. He made his first appearance in New York on October 27, 1917. He at once gained recognition as a master of the violin. He made frequent tours throughout the United States in the years following.