As part of the Colburn Celebrity Recital series at Walt Disney Concert Hall, Midori Gotō performed a dynamic program alongside the accomplished pianist Özgür Aydin.
By John Lavitt
Los Angeles, CA (The Hollywood Times) 03-15-2025
Midori Gotō has been a defining presence in classical music for over four decades. Since making her debut at age 11 as a surprise guest soloist with the New York Philharmonic at its New Year’s Eve Gala in 1982, she has built a career beyond performance into education, advocacy, and musical outreach. As an artist deeply invested in the power of music, she continues to inspire audiences worldwide.
At Walt Disney Concert Hall, Midori took the stage alongside Turkish-American pianist Özgür Aydin in a performance that presented a striking contrast in artistic sensibilities. Aydin’s understated delicacy and technical refinement created an elegant foundation, while Midori’s interpretation leaned heavily into dramatic intensity and bold expressivity. Her playing carried undeniable emotional weight, yet at times, this intensity seemed to come at the expense of nuance and balance.
Throughout the evening, there were moments of brilliance where Midori’s passion aligned with the compositions. However, in some instances, her approach felt overwhelming, with broad, forceful strokes that left little room for the subtleties that give a piece depth. In contrast, Aydin’s controlled phrasing and nuanced dynamics allowed for a more measured interpretation, providing a compelling counterpoint to Midori’s fervent style.
While some listeners may have appreciated Midori’s raw power, others might have found it overpowering, as the emotional force occasionally overshadowed the intricacies of the music. Her presence on stage remains commanding, and her commitment to bringing depth to every performance is evident. Though this concert may not have been the most refined example of her artistry, with the nuances of an ideal rendering lost in the boldness, it was engaging.