Midori to Lead Piano and Strings Program at Ravinia’s Steans Music Institute

In Tuesday’s (6/13) Musical America (subscription required), Susan Elliott writes, “Ravinia Steans Music Institute (RSMI), now in its 35th year as the educational arm of the famed summer festival [near Chicago], has appointed Midori to be artistic director of its piano and strings program, which runs June 23-July 24, 2024. She succeeds Miriam Fried, currently in her final season after having started in the job in 1994…. Midori will oversee coaching and visiting faculty for a program geared to practice and performance by ensembles comprised of young string players and pianists. Part of her remit is recruitment. Now 51, the Japan-born violinist made her professional debut with the New York Philharmonic at age 11. She is both a brilliant artist and a key force in music education, notably through her foundation, Midori & Friends, which provides tuition-free music education to New York City schools. ‘Her experiences as a performer, educator, and arts advocate will build on the legacy established by Miriam Fried,’ said RSMI Director Alejandra Valarino Boyer … RSMI is part of the Ravinia Festival, which presents over 100 pops, rock, jazz, etc., concerts per summer season, 15 of them involving the Chicago Symphony Orchestra.”