Guest Artist Profile: Midori Goto aka "Midori"
There are a few celebrities who go by just one name - Oprah, Madonna, Beyoncé, Rihanna - but Midori is the classical music world's own one-moniker celebrity. From her debut with the Boston Symphony at just 14 with the legendary Leonard Bernstein, to her 2021 Kennedy Center Honor, she's been a star of the orchestra world for generations.
Scroll down to read and view some of the incredible work she's done but don't forget - she'll be in Erie January 8, 2022! Learn how you can guarantee a seat below.
Girl, 14, Conquers Tanglewood with 3 Violins
Published in The New York Times, July 28, 1986
"... in the heat of the long and complex fifth and final movement, Miss Dori broke her E string. She quickly turned to Malcolm Lowe, the concertmaster, who looked nonplussed but finally handed over his Stradivarius. There was a moment's pause while Miss Dori fitted her chin rest onto the new violin. But then she proceeded absolutely unfazed.
Then it happened again - another snapped E string. By this time Mr. Lowe was playing the Guadagnini of the acting associate concertmaster, Max Hobart, and Mr. Hobart had retuned Miss Dori's violin and was playing it, ''faking'' his way around the missing E string."
Kennedy Center Honoree
“The Kennedy Center Honors serves as a moment to celebrate the remarkable artists who have spent their lives elevating the cultural history of our nation and world,” said Kennedy Center Chairman David M. Rubenstein. “With an international presence for over 35 years, violinist Midori combines graceful precision and expression for performances building connections between art and the human experience”
2021 Kennedy Center honorees. Front row: Debbie Allen, Dick Van Dyke, Midori. Back row: Joan Baez, Garth Brooks.
Philanthropy
Midori is deeply committed to furthering humanitarian and educational goals. She has founded and manages several non-profit organizations, including Midori & Friends, which provides music programs for New York City youth and communities, and MUSIC SHARING, a Japan-based foundation that brings both western classical and Japanese music traditions into young lives by presenting programs in schools, institutions, and hospitals. In recognition of such commitments, she serves as a United Nations Messenger of Peace.
Midori reflects on her quintessential prodigy story and what it means to be a performer
Midori plays Bach - Chaconne, Partita No. 2
How do I see Midori live?!
Due to extremely high demand for subscriptions for next season, the best way to guarantee a seat is currently with a subscription. New subscribers save 10% - call to redeem this offer.
If you would like individual tickets, those will go on sale in the fall. Subscriptions such as a Full, Symphonic, Compose Your Own, or Flex 4 could all include our January 8 concert featuring Midori.
The Erie Philharmonic remote box office is currently open 9am-5pm Monday through Thursday. You can call (814) 455-1375 for more information.
If you opted to push your subscription forward from our canceled 2020-21 season, you may have a credit on your account. In order to finalize your subscription, you must confirm that you plan to attend and use your subscription seats. Please call the box office for more information.