From her premiere performance with the New York Philharmonic at age 11 in 1982, to more than two decades of exceptional performances that have followed, Midori has set new standards of excellence in the performing arts. Outside the concert hall, Midori has also become one of the most engaged and engaging artists working in audience outreach, higher education, and public schools, through the extended residencies and nonprofit initiatives that have come to define her career.

The artist took time out from a world tour to visit with Bolz Center students this November, discussing the three nonprofit organizations she founded, and the special projects she is using to expand the connections between artist and audience.

Among those efforts are the University Residency Project and the Orchestra Residency Project, that build outreach, education, and interaction activities around concert performances. The Orchestra Residency Project specifically works to increase connections between professional orchestras and their neighboring youth orchestras, through collaborative concerts and events. The University Residency Project seeks 'to encourage an active involvement in music for both music and non-music students, and to give a deeper experience of musical collaboration to university-level musicians.'

The Bolz Center guest lecture series seeks to connect our students with innovative professionals and artists from across the country. Midori was among the 10 to 12 visiting speakers that connect with students through small discussions, lectures, and individual interaction each year.

More information on Midori and her innovative projects is available on her web site.

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