Midori in Japanese translates to “green.” Though born “green,” violinist virtuoso Midori Goto matured quickly into one of the most coveted soloists in the globe. Now 53 and referred to simply by a single name (achieving the status reserved for megastars like Madonna, Beyoncé, Adele, Prince, Shakira, Usher, Cher and others), Midori headlines at the Seattle Symphony performing Brahms Violin Concerto Jan. through Monday at Benaroya Hall.  

Midori will be featured during the Seattle Symphony’s Lunar New Year Gala, also at Benaroya Hall, starting at 6 p.m. Friday, Jan. 24. The evening is co-hosted by Seattle Symphony Associate Concertmaster Helen Kim and Assistant Principal Cello Nathan Chan.  

German conductor Anja Bihlmaier will make her Seattle debut featuring a program filled with works by German composers. In addition to Brahms, Bihlmaier will lead the symphony in compositions by Robert Schuman and Richard Wagner. It is the first time Bihlmaier and Midori are collaborating.  

Midori first performed with the Seattle Symphony in 1996. She also performed with the symphony in 2009 at Benaroya Hall. Most recently she was featured in a recital at Benaroya two years ago.

Violinist virtuoso Midori Goto will perform Brahms’ Violin Concerto at Benaroya Hall for Lunar New Year.

Photo by Nick Klein

  “Benaroya Hall is one of the halls I look forward to returning to because it’s so beautiful,” Midori says. “To be able to play such an amazing work in such an incredible hall is just so special. Brahms’ Violin Concerto is one of the most important concertos for my instrument. It is beloved, it is popular, it is fantastically challenging, it is rewarding. It stirs deep in your soul, and I really love playing this work every single time.” 

Midori’s performances at the Seattle Symphony kicks off Lunar New Year (the beginning of a year based on lunisolar calendars) across the region. This year’s Lunar New Year, the Year of the Snake, falls on Jan. 29. Here are some recommendations for shows and activities:  

• Museum of Flight: The stories of Asians and Asian Americans who have contributed to aerospace and aviation will be featured in the Alaska Airlines Aerospace Education Center. From 10 a.m.-5 p.m. through Jan. 29.

• Uwajimaya Lion Dance: Lion dancers will perform on Jan. 25 and 26 at their Puget Sound locations. 

• The Mak Fai Kung Fu Club Lion Dancers will perform and feature martial arts presentations at Pacific Place from 3 p.m.-5 p.m. Jan. 25.

• Activities at Kirkland Urban Plaza include lion dances, arts, crafts and food booths. From 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. Jan. 25. 

• The Bellevue Collection features lion dances, martial arts demos, music, arts and crafts from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Jan. 25.

• Seattle Center: Tết in Seattle, part of the Seattle Center’s year-round Festal celebrations, will feature lion dances, art, kids’ activities and live performances from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Jan. 25 and 26. 

Tết in Seattle will feature lion dances, art, kids’ activities and live performances on Jan. 25 and 26.

Photo courtesy of Tết in Seattle

• Mak Fai Dragon & Lion Dance Association perform at Westlake Park from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Jan. 26. 

• Jefferson Community Center hosts a free event with food, arts, crafts and family activities from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Jan. 31.

• Burien King County Library has pastries and other treats, a lion dance and games from 10 a.m. until 1 p.m. Feb. 1. Massive Monkeys are among the featured performers from 10 a.m. until 1 p.m. Feb. 1.

• Seattle Asian Art Museum’s programming includes a lion dance and other family-centric activities. Free with suggested museum admission starting at 11 a.m. Feb. 1.

• Westfield Southcenter hosts a lion dance, traditional dance and music, among other activities from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Feb. 1.

• Marketplace Factoria has puppet shows, arts, crafts, a Kung Fu demonstration and lion dance from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

• The Village at Totem Lake in Kirkland features a lion dance, martial arts demos, arts, crafts and cuisine from Umigawa Sushi, Kati Vegan Thai, Silverlake Ramen, Seoul Meat Co, Bok a Bok Fried Chicken and others starting at 1 p.m. Feb. 1.

• The Mercer Island Chinese Association hosts its Lunar New Year bash at the Mercer Island Community and Event Center with cultural performances, games and food booths from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Feb. 2. 

The Mercer Island Chinese Association will host its Lunar New Year bash from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Feb. 2.

Photo courtesy of The Mercer Island Chinese Association

• Chinese music, games and crafts highlight the activities at the Chinese Garden from 11 a.m. until 3 p.m. Feb. 8. Admission is free; suggested $6 donation per person is also welcomed. 

• Chinatown International District festivities culminate with the Chinatown International District Business Improvement Area’s celebration at Hing Hay Park. Neighborhood restaurants are also participating in the annual Food Walk. From 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Feb. 22.