Violinist Midori has been appointed a distinguished visiting artist at the Peabody Institute of the Johns Hopkins University for the 2016-17 season. Recognized worldwide as one of the legendary violinists of our times, an extraordinary performer, a gifted educator, and an innovative community engagement activist, Midori will visit campus throughout the academic year to conduct master classes at both the Conservatory and the Preparatory and deliver interdisciplinary presentations to other Johns Hopkins academic divisions.
“Midori’s exceptional commitment to education and community engagement has been recognized by no less than the United Nations and the World Economic Forum,” says Fred Bronstein, dean of the Peabody Institute. “I can’t think of an artist more accomplished, or better suited, to serve in this role and share with our campus community the important lessons of building a multi-faceted, holistic musical career, and who more clearly demonstrates what it means to be a citizen-artist in the 21st Century.”
Born in Osaka, Japan, in 1971, Midori made her now-legendary debut at the age of 11 at the New York Philharmonic’s traditional New Year’s Eve concert. Now Distinguished Professor and Jascha Heifetz Chair in Violin at the University of Southern California’s Thornton School of Music, she plays the 1734 Guarnerius del Gesu ‘ex-Huberman.’
In 1992 she founded Midori & Friends, a non-profit organization which brings music education programs to underserved New York City schoolchildren each year. Music Sharing, based in Japan, and Partners in Performance, based in the U.S., are among several of Midori’s social and educational initiatives that bring people closer to each other through music. In 2007, Midori was named a Messenger of Peace by U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon.
“I am so intrigued and excited by the opportunity to interact with the Peabody and Johns Hopkins community,” says Midori. “Besides the obvious musical collaboration, the environment of Johns Hopkins University will open possibilities for cross-disciplinary projects, which will undoubtedly shed light on the emerging role of artists in the current times.”
