Virtuoso, visionary and activist Midori will host in-person master classes at MSU on October 4 as part of the Dorothy DeLay MasterClass Series launched in fall 2020 by Dmitri Berlinsky, artist-teacher and professor of violin at the MSU College of Music. 

This is the second time Midori has shared technique, explored repertoire, and reflected on her life as an artist and humanitarian through the series names for Dorothy DeLay, an MSU alumna and famed pedagogue. DeLay taught some of the most notable violinists of the late 20th century, including Midori, Berlinsky, and the other artists in the series. 

While on campus, Midori will work with MSU strings students from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Monday, October 4, conducting a master class and hosting a discussion on her community initiatives. That same day, Midori will conduct an afternoon master class for high school students from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. Both sessions will be livestreamed and open to the public through the MSU College of Music livestream channel. 

“Since the time we met in early 90s as part of her 'Midori & Friends” program in New York, Midori has been making tremendous efforts to enrich the lives of so many young people by generously sharing her dedication to music education,” said Berlinsky. “Her visionary style and grace captivates audiences around the world, and now she will do the same at MSU through an invaluable opportunity to inspire students to excel and to understand what it means to be a working artist in today’s world. She conducted an excellent master class last year online, and we are happy that now she will join us in-person.”

As a leading concert violinist for more than 35 years, Midori’s unique career explores and builds connections between music and the human experience. Her graceful precision and intimate performances often break with traditional boundaries, placing her among the most respected violinists of the time. Deeply committed to furthering humanitarian and educational goals, Midori has founded several non-profit organizations, including Midori & Friends and MUSIC SHARING, to serve various youth communities in the U.S. and Japan.

“We are all members of communities which is something easy to forget when we take it for granted,” Midori said. “Being part of a community is part of who I am, and I enjoy being able to connect with other members. I am fascinated by people, and I greatly appreciate being able to interact and collaborate.”

Midori said she enjoyed working with Berlinsky’s students last year through the series that featured an extraordinary line-up of high-profile artists who studied with DeLay. With last year being virtual, Midori said she’s excited about coming to campus, and teaching and mentoring students at her former teacher’s alma mater.

“I am always energized by young musicians,” Midori said. “In working with them, I appreciate the freshness of their relationship to the music, and I enjoy greatly the process of discovering with them what lies for them within the pieces.”

Last year’s slate of virtual master classes featured nearly twenty DeLay alumni beginning in October through the end of the academic year, including Itzhak Perlman, Gil Shaham, Cho-Liang Lin, David Kim, Vadim Gluzman, Anne Akiko Meyers, Shlomo Mintz, and Philippe Quint. Berlinsky was also among the featured artists as well as leading fascinating conversations with the artists about teaching styles, life as a professional artist, and the legacy of one of the College’s esteemed alumnae.

Berlinsky is continuing to line up DeLay alumni to host master classes in the coming year, including Vadim Gluzman and Rohan De Silva.  

“Dorothy DeLay nurtured and furthered the careers of so many incredible artists in her life,” said Berlinsky. “This series honors her legacy by connecting her former students with our students, prospective students, and everyone who is interested in music-making and craftsmanship. I am excited to welcome Midori back for this special event.”

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The Dorothy DeLay Master Class Series is generously sponsored by the Belle S. and Julius N. Harris Distinguished Visiting Artist Fund established by Lauren Julius Harris.