Pinchas Zukerman and Oliver Knussen at the BSO

An unusual convergence is about to take place at the Boston Symphony Orchestra. A composer, a conductor, and a soloist will all perform together on stage.

What's even more unusual: the three roles will be filled by two men. First, meet the soloist.

"You got all our players from Ottowa. You've got Chara, now you've got Wade Redmond. I mean really. And you call yourselves the Bruins?"

This is world-renowned violinist, Pinchas Zukerman. Other than being passionate about hockey, Zukerman is considered one of the greatest living masters of the violin.

Sitting across from him in a Symphony Hall rehearsal room is the composer and conductor, Oliver Knussen, who says, "Are you going to sit there holding that like that? You're going to get a cramp holding that like that. It's what I get paid the not-big bucks. Unbelievable, they don't even give you the big bucks for the stand."

Other than being charmingly concerned that I had no microphone stands for our interview, Knussen is considered one of the most important living British composers today. His pedigree includes composing for the London Symphony when he was just 16-years-old, and then coming to Tanglewood for further mentoring from the legendary composer and conductor Gunther Schuller.

Zukerman and Knussen have known each other for decades. When in the same room, they have that vibrant, electric energy you feel only when two masters of music come together. Friday and Saturday,they will be performing a special violin concerto Knussen composed especially for Zukerman back in 2002. Zukerman will solo on the Symphony Hall Stage. Knussen will conduct.

We spoke with them earlier this week about the story behind the making of "Violin Concerto Opus 30".

Pinchas Zukerman, world-renowned violinist
Oliver Knussen, composer of "Violin Concerto Opus 30"

Boston Symphony Orchestra program for "Miaskovsky, Knussen and Mussorgsky"