Mio Imai, violin

Our first First Listener to return to perform as a mainstage performance!

Violinist Mio Imai, a 14-year-old whose teacher is Kimberly Fisher, principal second violinist with the Philadelphia Orchestra, has been lauded for her superb finger work, and playing with precision and expressive artistry.

Mio made her first appearance as a soloist at age of 9. She has performed as a soloist and in recitals in the US, Italy, and Japan.

She won the first prize in the 2024 Arthur Grumiaux International Violin Competition (Belgium), 2024 Stulberg International String Competition (US), 2024 MTNA National Competition (US), and 2023 Piccolo Violino Magico International Competition (Italy). Mio is also a former major prize winner at the Leonid Kogan International Competition (Belgium; second prize), the Ronald Sachs International Music Competition (US; third prize), and the Chicago Violin International Competition (US; third prize). She played in Masterclasses for renowned violinists and string quartets, including James Ehnes, Ida Kavafian, Karen Aroutiounian, Takacs Quartet, Robert Chen, Juliette Kang, and Kim Chee-yun. She plays chamber and orchestral music in the Center for Gifted Young Musicians Program, Temple University.

Mio plays a Vincenzo Sannino violin and Francois Nicolas Voirin bow on loan from the Takeuchi Collection through the Nippon Violin Society program.

Besides music, Mio enjoys crafting, cooking and skiing.

She will be performing Mendelssohn's Violin Concerto, accompanied by pianist Dr. Mark Livshits.

GRAMMY-nominated pianist Mark Livshits is one of the most highly sought after soloists and chamber musicians in Philadelphia. He appears frequently in concert with members of the Philadelphia Orchestra, as well as with the orchestra as a substitute in the keyboard section. Dr. Livshits has also worked closely with musicians such as Yannick Nezet Seguin, Stephane Denève, Michael Tilson Thomas, Nikolaj Znaider, Leonidas Kovakos, Lynn Harrell, Christoph Eschenbach, Alisa Weilerstein, Measha Brueggergosman, and Dave Brubeck.

Mark Livshits is a Steinway Artist.