International ORP in Lima: Reflections from Maestro Miguel Harth-Bedoya

The first week of September 2011 was one to be remembered forever by the young musicians in Lima, Peru.

I was so happy that after years of discussing with Midori the idea of coming to Peru, my home country, to play with youth orchestras, it finally happened.

Midori did not just come to Peru to play with a combination of youth orchestras (the Conservatory Orchestra, the Youth Orchestra of the Ministry of Culture and the Youth Orchestra of the Ministry of Education), with whom she performed a sublime Beethoven Violin Concerto, but also to devote her time and attention to the needs of local young musicians. She taught several hours a day, engaged in open conversations with orchestra members where students asked all kinds of very interesting questions, and above all, she showed her professional attitude at all times: plenty of time for warming up, practicing and performing at a high level at all times.

The inspiration that Midori brought to these youngsters is something that I have never seen before in our country. You should have seen the expression on the kids’ faces.

Needless to say, watching and listening to Midori created an atmosphere of  excellence in which everyone wanted to do and be their best.

Unfortunately, Midori did not see much of Peru in this trip, but I do know that she got to get try some of the best Peruvian cuisine, and once you have tasted our food, you’ll never forget it!

Midori warming up before a television appearance.

I want to share one anecdote that shows how much Midori cares for music:

On Thursday afternoon, after rehearsal had ended, Midori and I were asked if we could make an appearance at the local TV news live at 8:30 am the next morning, to which we agreed.  Midori was asked if she could play. She graciously agreed to that as well, and asked if she could arrive at the TV station at 6:30 a.m. so that she could warm up properly!  She had planned to play Bach’s Prelude to the E major Partita, and naturally, warming up in her hotel room was not the ideal scenario. Needless to say, everyone was shocked and impressed by such a request.  However, unfortunately, there was nowhere at the TV station where she could warm up. So we decided that the best solution would be for Midori to come to my house at 6:30 am and then we would drive together to the TV station. Everything went as planned and we arrived at the TV station on time.  But there was one glitch: even though winters in Lima are not really cold, the high degree of humidity makes it feel as if it is freezing, and there is no central heating. This was not helping Midori’s warm up. Just before we went live she took her violin out of the case and she kept warming up in the reception area where there was one security guard (who I am sure enjoyed a private “recital”) and myself. (See the photo above for proof).

The interview went well and Midori played superbly.

I think that this anecdote demonstrates what Midori is all about: the music. There is really no difference if you are going to play 3.5 minutes of music or an entire concerto. The preparation and dedication is at its maximum at all times. That’s why she is great. That’s why she is the best.

Thank you Midori for having invited all those young musicians into your world and inspired them for life.

-Miguel

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