Sharing The Joy Of Music
Midori returns to the Sydney Symphony in July to perform in a program of Mozart, Schubert and Stravinsky. Paolo Hooke talks to the much-loved violinist – erstwhile child prodigy, now legendary performer and mentor.
The accessibility of great music is an issue of crucial importance to Midori, who keenly devotes her time and energy towards community-directed initiatives designed to redress the exclusivity that exists both in fact and in the public perception of serious music. ‘Classical music, with its rich history and refined techniques, can be appreciated by all when given the chance. I want to share the joy that this music brings me, so that others can experience these works of such power and emotion.’ Midori says it disturbs her that, through no fault of their own, so many people do not have the opportunity to participate in the arts ‘Music, like all the arts, is an inclusive experience, and it should be heard wherever it can be heard, at whatever or no cost. Music existed before there were concert halls, before its players could earn money for performing, before even cities were built. The historical context and emotional messages of great music will always be relevant and important in cultural studies.’
As part of her commitment to sharing music, the Japanese-born Los Angeles-based violinist has established three non-profit organisations: Midori & Friends in 1992 in New York, Music Sharing in 2002 in Tokyo, and Partners in Performance in 2003 in the United States. ‘I have always felt that my commitment to sharing music goes further than giving concerts. Music finds its natural place within people and should not be restricted to a specific physical place. The experiences of bringing music to students, and to smaller communities outside the perimeters of the usual concert circuit, are always intriguing and eye-opening.’ Raised in an environment where there was a passion for education, and people were accustomed to committing themselves to sharing with others and dedicating their work to the community, Midori believes that the arts have the capacity to make an impact upon a wide variety of individuals and communal groups. ‘I have always been inspired by so many of my colleagues who extend their commitment to sharing music beyond the stage, and there [is] no limit to what we can accomplish by working together.’
In 2007 Midori was designated a Messenger of Peace by the United Nations, which cited her community engagement work as a model of commitment to the worldwide goals shared by the United Nations. Midori says that having the support of the United Nations is invaluable for so many reasons, from preparatory briefings to official credentials. ‘Being a United Nations Messenger of Peace adds another dimension to my community engagement work and goals; I feel as though my approach to various projects is broader in terms of social, educational, and environmental issues. It is enlightening for me to have a new way of thinking about the effects of sharing music with different populations.’ Midori’s other community initiatives include the Instrumental Instruction for the Disabled Program, the Orchestra Residencies Program and the International Community Engagement Program (ICEP). ‘In the ICEP of Music Sharing organisations, we hope to train selected young musicians in the art of community engagement by giving them opportunities to be actively involved in bringing music to children in developing Asian countries, mostly in South-East Asia. In these countries, we offer children, especially children in difficult circumstances, the opportunity to experience the beauty and joy of music. Some of our initiatives have led to cultural exchange through music presentations and collaborations, which have been very poignant experiences thus far, but most importantly, it is a learning opportunity for all involved. ICEP 2009 took us to Mongolia; later this year, I will be going to Laos with three selected young musicians.’