In her first season as Artistic Director of the Ravinia Steans Music Institute‘s Program for Piano & Strings, Midori oversaw the distinguished program that focuses on interpretation and small group collaboration through practice and performance of classical sonata and chamber repertoire. The Steans Music Institute is located in Highland Park, Illinois. Over two dozen violinists, violists, cellists and pianists gathered for five weeks of intensive rehearsals and coaching under the guidance of Midori and a rotating roster of some of the world’s finest artists and pedagogues. On July 6, Midori joined violinist Mihaela Martin, violist Kim Kashkashian, cellists Frans Helmerson and Clive Greensmith and pianist Marc-Andre Hamelin in a program […]

Midori’s most recent Orchestra Residencies Programs took place in Amarillo, Texas in March and in Toledo Ohio in May of this year. In Amarillo, Midori and her ORP assistant, Clara Kim, worked with members of four orchestras at different levels of age and experience. They gave workshops including advising students on how to practice, to prepare for auditions and to approach college applications. They gave masterclasses, took part in orchestra rehearsals, visited local schools and spoke with educators.             In Toledo, which had three levels of ensembles, Midori gave Arts Advocacy lectures at a number of local schools and led discussions with students and parents. […]