Renowned violinist Midori, celebrated globally for her extraordinary musical achievements, is set to grace the stage of Oberlin Conservatory’s Finney Chapel through the Artist Recital Series.
“Midori is undeniably a superstar in the violin world on many levels,” said Sibbi Bernhardsson, Professor of Violin and Director of the Strings Division at Oberlin, class of ’95. “She is, without question, a living legend. She has performed with every major orchestra and in every major concert hall worldwide since the age of 11.”
This reference points to her sensational debut with the New York Philharmonic at just 11 years old, conducted by Zubin Mehta during the orchestra’s annual New Year’s Eve concert. By age 14, she delivered an acclaimed performance of Leonard Bernstein’s “Serenade for Violin and String Orchestra”—praised by The New York Times as “technically near-perfect.” During this concert, Midori famously broke two E strings yet continued her performance seamlessly without interruption.
Reflecting on that moment in a PBS interview, Midori remarked, “As a 14-year-old, I thought, ‘What’s the big deal?’ Breaking strings wasn’t new to me — it wasn’t the first or the last time.”
Kirsten Docter, Associate Professor of Viola and Chamber Music at Oberlin, class of ’92, witnessed this iconic performance firsthand as part of the string orchestra.
“She was a true prodigy — almost mystical to watch. At the Boston University Tanglewood Institute that summer, where she played Bernstein’s Serenade, she was this tiny figure in a green dress. During the fourth movement, she broke an E string. Calmly, she borrowed the concertmaster’s violin mid-performance with no pause. Moments later, she broke another E string and had to switch instruments again before completing the concerto. It was breathtaking,” Docter recalled.
Beyond her extraordinary performance career, Midori dedicates significant efforts to education and humanitarian causes. She founded several nonprofit initiatives: Midori and Friends works to bring music education to New York schools, hospitals, and community groups, while MUSIC SHARING extends similar programs in Japan, focusing on Western classical and traditional Japanese music. Additionally, her Partners in Performance program brings chamber music to smaller U.S. communities, and the Orchestra Residency Program connects student orchestras worldwide with master classes, public concerts, and advocacy activities at legislative venues.
Bernhardsson highlighted, “The breadth of her work is truly remarkable. Although we are nearly the same age, I have admired her as a violin hero throughout my career. She inspires deeply, and what stands out is her generosity with time and knowledge.”
Docter expressed similar admiration: “My musical heroes were traditionally older artists I heard growing up. Now we are privileged to see peers and upcoming stars serve as true ambassadors who make a difference in the world. It’s vital that we witness and learn from them.”
This visit to Oberlin is not Midori’s first; her initial engagement was in 1993 during Bernhardsson’s sophomore year at the Conservatory.
“As a teenager, she was flawless, and her artistry continues to evolve. Over the years I have seen her numerous times, and her curiosity and pursuit of new artistic expressions never cease. Her recital at Oberlin remains one of my most memorable student experiences and a profound inspiration,” Bernhardsson said.
Supported by the Alice I. Takemoto ’47 String Residency series, Midori’s current engagement includes masterclasses on Wednesday and Thursday evenings and Friday afternoon, a career talk on Thursday at midday, and a public recital scheduled for March 5 at 7:30 p.m. in Finney Chapel. Furthermore, every Conservatory violin student is receiving a 30-minute private lesson with her.
“Right from the start of the invitation, Midori insisted on teaching every violinist at Oberlin. So every student gets personal instruction,” Docter remarked. “Anyone with an E string on their instrument is probably feeling very fortunate this week.”
The residency series, named after Alice I. Takemoto ’47 who left a Japanese Internment Camp to pursue studies at Oberlin, continues to honor her spirit of resilience and generosity. Before the pandemic, a recital was dedicated to her featuring performances by and for Takemoto herself, alongside numerous visits by legendary musicians she has sponsored.
“We are incredibly fortunate with the artists we have brought to campus, and the meaningful impact these opportunities have on our students,” Docter said.
Midori stands out prominently among this distinguished group of musicians offering extraordinary educational and artistic experiences.
“She is a living legend,” Bernhardsson concluded. “Her dedication to her craft and to music is unmatched.”
— The Violin Post Editorial Staff
