Jascha Heifetz

Heifetz, Jascha (1901–87), Russian-born U.S. violinist. He was a child prodigy, giving concerts by 1911, and making his U.S. debut at Carnegie Hall in 1917. His virtuosity and technique were compared to those of Niccolò Paganini. He retired from the concert stage in 1972, but continued to teach at the University of Southern California in Los Angeles until shortly before his death.