Midori has been a celebrated violinist for more than 35 years. Her new recording of Beethoven’s Violin Concerto, complemented by his two Romances, marks the composer’s 250th birthday in December 2020. This album, on which Midori plays with the Lucerne Festival Orchestra, was made in early March 2020. The sessions were originally planned around a concert performance at Lucerne’s impressive Culture and Congress Center, but the COVID-19 pandemic caused the cancellation of all public events. The concert was cancelled while Midori and the orchestra were already rehearsing. She explained: “As everyone’s health and safety were of paramount concern, we were naturally obliged to follow official guidance. Nonetheless, we were grateful to receive permission to move ahead with our recording.”