FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 31, 2017, 4:00 p.m. CDT
Contact Jason Hogue, Peru State College Marketing and Communications, 402.872.2429
Peru, Nebraska – Violinist, co-founder of Street Symphony and mental health issue activist Vijay
Gupta spoke on campus as part of Peru State’s 2016-2017 Distinguished Speaker Series.
Gupta has performed internationally as a recitalist, soloist and chamber musician
since he was eight. He debuted with the Israel Philharmonic at age eleven and joined
the Los Angeles Philharmonic when he turned 19.
Gupta began his speech by playing the violin. The violin music was a sharp contrast
to his frank assessment of life for the mentally ill.
Gupta spoke of his experience sharing music with the homeless, imprisoned and mentally
ill of Los Angeles – particularly in Skid Row. That work with music turned into his
efforts to co-found Street Symphony.
Street Symphony is a musical program that engages marginalized communities, such as
the homeless, mentally ill and those who are incarcerated. It is focused on Los Angeles
and the Skidrow area.
Vijay Gupta plays the violin.
Vijay Gupta shaking the hand of the introductory speaker, Peru State student Gunnar Orcutt.
Vijay Gupta speaking on the Peru State College campus.
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For more information, visit www.peru.edu or call 1-800-742-4412.
About Peru State College: Nestled in the historic hills of the Missouri River, the
“Campus of a Thousand Oaks" is Nebraska’s oldest college and will celebrate its sesquicentennial
anniversary in 2017. Peru State College’s constant commitment to academic excellence
has resulted in a unique and innovative mix of online, traditional, undergraduate
and graduate programs. Similarly, the college's ongoing student engagement promotes
inquiry, discovery and innovation on-campus and across the region. Peru State College
is committed to being a good steward of education, students, the region and Nebraska
for another 150 years.