Renowned pianist-turned-impresario talks music, bond with writer William F. Buckley Jr.
BY LA Stories Staff Los Angeles
PUBLISHED 5:00 AM PT Nov. 17, 2025
In a new episode of “LA Stories,” host Giselle Fernandez sits down with Lawrence Perelman, the renowned classical music manager, concert pianist and author of “American Impresario,” to explore his remarkable life journey and his unlikely friendship with conservative icon William F. Buckley Jr.
The son of Soviet Jewish immigrants who arrived in America with nothing but hope, Perelman was inspired as a young boy by Buckley’s intellect and moral courage.
“My parents came to America 50 years ago this year,” he said. “Their work ethic, everything that we think about the American way, the American dream, I’ve lived that. My parents lived that.”
As a teenager, Perelman wrote Buckley a heartfelt letter thanking him for his advocacy that helped Soviet Jews find freedom — and offered to perform a Bach recital in gratitude. That simple act led to an extraordinary friendship that would span more than a decade.
“The fact that someone that important took the time to care, to write and to have it sent meant the world to me,” Perelman said.
Their bond deepened through years of shared passion for politics, philosophy and music — culminating in Perelman playing private recitals for Buckley until his final days.
Today, Perelman continues Buckley’s legacy of mentorship and intellectual curiosity through his work representing leading classical artists and founding Carnegie Hall Plus, a streaming service bringing the arts to new audiences.
Reflecting on the lessons of his mentor, Perelman hopes younger generations rediscover the power of mentorship and meaningful connection.
“I’m a disciple of William F. Buckley Jr.’s,” Perelman said, “Younger people should take an opportunity and get off their phones and connect with someone who’s older because that can change your life — but not only changing your life, but it can strengthen our country.”