Ryu Goto

Ryu Goto
Native name 五嶋 龍
Born July 13, 1988
New York City, United States
Instruments Violin
Labels Deutsche Grammophon

Ryu Goto (五嶋 龍 Gotō Ryū, born July 13, 1988 in New York City, New York) is a Japanese-American concert violinist. Goto gained attention as a child prodigy,[1][2] first performing at the age of seven in the Pacific Music Festival held in Sapporo, Japan. His debut tour of 12 cities of Japan, in 2006, was sold out.[3]

Early life

Both of Goto's parents are violinists. His elder (by 17 years) sister, Midori, is an internationally renowned violinist.[4] Goto began playing violin at age three.[4] He credits his mother for both his and his sister's success as musicians.[5]

Career

Goto has performed internationally as a soloist with the London Symphony Orchestra, the Orpheus Chamber Orchestra, the Shanghai Philharmonic, the U.S. National Symphony Orchestra, the London Philharmonic Orchestra, the Toscanini Symphonica in Italy, the New Zealand Symphony Orchestra, the Bamberg Symphony, New Symphony Orchestra (Bulgaria), the European Union Youth Orchestra, Vancouver Symphony Orchestra, and the KZN Philharmonic Orchestra of South Africa[3][6]

Goto performed at the World Trade Center site during the official September 11 commemoration ceremony in 2003 and at the peace memorial concerts in Hiroshima and Nagasaki in 2005.[3] In 2005, Universal Music signed Goto to its Deutsche Grammophon label.[7] In 2009, Goto played with the Ditto Ensemble in Korea,[8] and was scheduled to appear with them in the summer of 2010 in Japan.[9] In 2010, he made is Carnegie Hall debut.

Goto graduated from Harvard University with a BA in Physics in 2011. He regularly played with the Bach Society Orchestra.[6][10]

Playing style

Goto has been influenced by electric guitarists such as Jimi Hendrix, and sometimes uses an aggressive playing style described as "ferocious"[1] or "fiery."[11]

Personal life

Goto has a black belt in karate, and holds a degree in Physics from Harvard (2011), where he is a member of the Phoenix SK Club.[4] He also plays guitar.[6]

Discography

DVD:

CD/Digital

References

  1. 1.0 1.1 Werb, Jessica (December 14, 2006). "Ryu Goto". Straight.Com. Retrieved April 3, 2010.
  2. Sherman, Robert (March 21, 1999). "Music: The Keyboard Stars in Programs". The New York Times. Retrieved April 3, 2010.
  3. 3.0 3.1 3.2 Ayako Yamamoto (July 17, 2009). "National Concert Hall 國家音樂廳". Taiwan News. Retrieved April 3, 2010.
  4. 4.0 4.1 4.2 Shull, Chris (October 11, 2009). "Violin Playing a Family Affair". Wichita Eagle. Retrieved April 3, 2010.
  5. Werb, Jessica (December 7, 2006). "Violin Star Still a Kid at Heart". Straight.Com. Retrieved April 3, 2010.
  6. 6.0 6.1 6.2 Coogan, Matthew (November 20, 2009). "Spotlight: Ryu Goto '11". The Harvard Crimson. Retrieved April 3, 2010.
  7. "Teenage Violinist Signed to Deutsche Grammophon". TourDates. June 7, 2005. Retrieved April 3, 2010.
  8. Hyo-won, Lee (June 16, 2009). "Ensemble Ditto Opens Third Season". Korea Times. Retrieved April 3, 2010.
  9. Hyo-won, Lee (January 21, 2010). "Ensemble Ditto to Debut in Japan". Korea Times. Retrieved April 3, 2010.
  10. Kavoussi, Bonnie (October 22, 2007). "For BachSoc, a Strong Season Beginning". The Harvard Crimson. Retrieved April 3, 2010.
  11. Baxter, David (October 19, 2009). "Violinist Shines with Symphony". Witchita Eagle. Retrieved April 3, 2010.

External links