University Lectures, Pulse present classical violinist Midori, in conversation with SSO’s Daniel Hege, April 12

University Lectures, Pulse present classical violinist Midori, in conversation with SSO’s Daniel Hege, April 12April 02, 2007Patrick Farrellpmfarrel@syr.edu

On Thursday, April 12, the internationally acclaimed violinist Midori comes to Syracuse to share her passion for music and music education with the Syracuse community.

Midori, who has performed with all of the world’s major orchestras, is an outspoken advocate for everyone having access to great music, regardless of age, race, social class, geographic location or financial means. Her philanthropic commitment to music education began in 1992, when she founded Midori & Friends in response to severe cutbacks in music education in New York City schools; to date, more than 120,000 children have benefited from this program. Since that time, Midori’s commitment to music education has grown steadily, and so far she has established five outreach organizations to address the crucial and ever-growing need to make music accessible.

University Lectures and Pulse are proud to present an evening with Midori, in conversation with Daniel Hege, director of the Syracuse Symphony Orchestra. Midori’s appearance will also include a violin performance. The event, which is free and open to the public, begins at 7:30 p.m in Hendricks Chapel. Parking will be available in the Irving Avenue Garage.

Midori was born in Osaka, Japan, in 1971 and began studying the violin with her mother, Setsu Goto, at a very early age. In 1982, when Zubin Mehta first heard her play, he was so impressed that he invited her to be a surprise guest soloist for the New York Philharmonic’s traditional New Year’s Eve concert, on which occasion she received a standing ovation and the impetus to begin a major career.

Midori made her first recording at the age of 14 for Philips — she played music of Bach and Vivaldi with the St. Paul Chamber Orchestra under the direction of Pinchas Zukerman. She now records exclusively for Sony BMG. Her violin is the 1734 Guarnerius del Gesu “ex-Humerman,” which is on lifetime loan to her from the Hayashibara Foundation.

This year, Midori will appear in more than 100 concerts around the world. Her recital program consists entirely of new music and will inaugurate a commissioning project in collaboration with violinist Vadim Repin. While in Syracuse, in addition to her University Lectures and Pulse appearance, Midori will perform with the Syracuse Symphony Orchestra and conduct a master class.

Pulse, a collaborative project of the Division of Student Affairs and the College of Visual and Performing Arts, provides SU undergraduates and the Central New York community with out-of-classroom opportunities to attend and participate in programs, performances, exhibitions and events in the performing and visual arts. Visit http://pulse.syr.edu for details about other Pulse events.

The University Lectures is a cross-disciplinary lecture series that brings to the University individuals of exceptional accomplishment in the areas of architecture and design; the humanities and the sciences; and public policy, management and communications. The series is supported by the generosity of the University’s trustees, alumni and friends. More information is available at http://provost.syr.edu/lectures/current.asp.