MORGANTOWN — Famed violinist Midori Goto, who began her career at age 11, will be performing at West Virginia University on Feb. 6.
Goto was born is Osaka, Japan, and began studying violin with her mother.
She made her debut in American when she was 11, performing in the New York Philharmonic’s traditional New Year’s Eve concert, according to Mary Persin, director of artistic administration at the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra.
Since then, Goto has regularly partnered with the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra, performing on subscription in various concerts.
Goto, who has been able to maintain a presence for three decades, is “one of the most highly regarded violinists in the world,” Persin said.
“As a performer, Midori is known not only for her technical wizardry but also for the distinct musical stamp that she brings to every performance,” Persin said. “Additionally, she has devoted an enormous amount of her time and talent to teaching and fostering the next generation of young artists through her foundation, while also serving on the violin faculty at the USC Thornton School of Music as Distinguished Professor and Jascha Heifetz Chair in Violin.”
Goto founded the nonprofit organization “Midori & Friends” in 1992, which brings music education programs to New York City children who otherwise might not have access to such programs, according to her biography.
“Two other organizations, Music Sharing, based in Japan, and Partners in Performance, based in the United States, also bring music closer to the lives of people who may not otherwise have involvement with the arts,” her biography says. “Her commitment to community collaboration and outreach is further realized in her Orchestra Residences Program. In 2007, she was named a Messenger of Peace by U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon.”
The WVU concert will be in the Lyell B. Clay Concert Theatre. Tickets cost between $27 and $45.
Goto will perform Mendelssohn’s Concerto in E Minor. Also, the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra, led by Music Director Manfred Honeck, will perform Mozart’s Symphony No. 35, “Haffner,” and Brahms’ Symphony No. 1.
“The Mendelssohn Violin Concerto in E Minor is one of the true jewels of the repertoire,” Persin said. “A showcase of brilliant passage work, memorable melodies and a wonderful rhythmic vitality, the concerto is infused with Mendelssohn’s gift of lyricism and serves as truly a star vehicle for all of the world’s great violinists.”
The concert is being brought to the area as part of the Canady Symphony Series, which began as a partnership between the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra and West Virginia University during their 2006-2007 season.
“A world-class orchestra attracts the very finest musicians, as well as the most highly regarded conductors and guest artists, and we are particularly proud to share this with audiences in the Pittsburgh region,” Persin said. “The Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra is committed to serving its home community, including Pittsburgh and the surrounding areas, and it is an honor to return to Morgantown, West Virginia, this February to perform.”
To purchase tickets or learn more, visit www.pittsburghsymphony.org.
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