Midori (1971–)

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Midori (1971–)

Japanese-born violinist. Born 1971 in Osaka, Japan; dau. of Setsu Goto (violinist); studied with her mother, then at Juilliard under Dorothy DeLay; Gallatin School of New York University, BA in psychology, 2000.

Moved to US (1981); at 11, launched professional career when she performed the first movement of the Paganini Violin Concerto No. 1 with the New York Philharmonic and Zubin Mehta (Dec 1982); debuted with Philadelphia Orchestra and St. Paul Chamber Orchestra (1983), Toronto Symphony (1985); made the 1st of 2 recordings for Philips (1986); made legendary debut at Tanglewood with the Boston Symphony, Leonard Bernstein conducting (1987), breaking two E-strings but continuing unfazed on borrowed violins; signed with Sony Classical (1988), releasing the Grammy-nominated recording of the Paganini Caprices for Solo Violin, as well as her 20th anniversary album (2002), among many others; began giving master classes at Manhattan School of Music (2001); appeared in key concert halls throughout the world. Awarded Avery Fisher Prize (2001).