Conductor: Zhang Guoyong

Orchestra: Shanghai Symphony Orchestra

Programme:

Egmont Overture, op.84

Symphony No. 5 in C minor, Op. 67

Beethoven Violin Concerto in D Major

Introduction:

The violinist Midori made her historic debut at the age of 11 when she was introduced as a surprise guest artist by conductor Zubin Mehta at the New York Philharmonic's annual New Year's Eve concert in 1982. Since that night over 25 years ago, she has established a record of achievement which sets her apart as a master musician, an innovator, and a champion of the developmental potential of children.

Midori's performing schedule is balanced between recitals, chamber music performances and appearances with the world's most prestigious orchestras. Midori’s 2008-09 season will include being designated an official Messenger of Peace by Ban Ki-moon, Secretary General of the United Nations; a first-ever tour of trio repertoire with two distinguished colleagues, pianist Jonathan Biss and cellist Johannes Moser; and increasing her already extensive commitment to music education in her capacity as Chair of the Strings Department at USC's Thornton School of Music. Among the conductors with whom Midori will collaborate in the 2008-09 season are Jun M?rkl, Kristian J?rvi, Gerard Schwartz, Leonard Slatkin, Miguel Harth-Bedoya, and Paavo J?rvi.

In 1992 Midori founded Midori & Friends, a non-profit organization in New York which brings music education programs to thousands of underprivileged children each year. Two other organizations, Music Sharing, based in Japan, and Partners in Performance, based in the U.S., also bring music closer to the lives of people who may not otherwise have involvement with the arts. Her commitment to community collaboration and outreach extends beyond these organizations to her work with young violinists in master classes all over the world, to her Orchestra Residencies Program, to her University Residencies Program, and to her already existing position as Jascha Heifetz Chair at USC.

Midori's violin is the 1734 Guarnerius del Gesu "ex-Huberman", which is on lifetime loan to her from the Hayashibara Foundation.