World Renowned Violinist Midori to Offer Master Class

OBERLIN, OHIO — One of the world’s leading violinists, Midori, will offer a master class on Wednesday, March 19, at 4:45 p.m. in Kulas Recital Hall. The event is free and open to the public.

Midori is known for her historic debut at age 11 when she was introduced as a surprise guest artist by conductor Zubin Mehta at the New York Philharmonic’s annual New Year’s Eve concert in 1982. That performance helped launch a major recording and performance career that includes recitals, chamber music performances, and appearances with the world’s most prestigious orchestras.

In addition to her achievements as a master musician, Midori has founded and dedicated herself to community outreach initiatives and education programs for underprivileged children. 

Gloria Kim, Assistant Dean for Artistic Programming and Operations in the Oberlin Conservatory of Music, says Midori’s visit to Oberlin will provide an invaluable learning opportunity for Oberlin’s advanced violin students.

“As a conservatory, we’re always trying to provide educational and professional experiences that are conducive to students’ long-term success in the music industry, and the opportunity to learn from such an extraordinary musician as Midori is truly remarkable,” Kim says. “Coaching and mentoring are very important to her, as she devotes a significant amount of energy to master classes and community engagement.”

Violin Professor Marilyn McDonald, a longtime friend who has played with Midori in recitals, says it’s a rare opportunity for students to meet so closely and intimately with a musician of her stature.

During the class, Midori will coach the following student performers:
Lisha Gu — Sibelius Violin Concerto, 1st movement
Juhyung Shin — Tchaikovsky Violin Concerto, 1st movement
Yan Tong — Brahms Violin Concerto, 1st movement
Leah Asher — Brahms Violin Sonata in D Minor

Midori currently holds the Jascha Heifetz Chair in Music and is Chair of the Strings Department at the Thornton School of Music at the University of Southern California.

Highlights of Midori’s 2007-08 season include being designated an official Messenger of Peace by Ban Ki-moon, secretary general of the United Nations, an honor in recognition of her community outreach initiatives; bringing a unique project to Lincoln Center that combines the music of Takemitsu, J.S. Bach, and Schnittke; performing with the Cleveland Orchestra (both in Cleveland and in the orchestra’s annual residency in Florida); and traveling to Japan with the Philadelphia Orchestra. Midori is also making her third all-new music recital tour in Europe.

In 1992, Midori founded Midori & Friends, a nonprofit organization based in New York that brings music education programs to thousands of underprivileged children each year. Two other organizations, Music Sharing, based in Japan, and Partners in Performance, based in the U.S., aim to bring music closer to the lives of people who may not otherwise have involvement with the arts. She appears in master classes around the world.