Ms. Midori Nohara has been at the forefront of media attention within the classical music world since taking first place in France's prestigious Long-Thibaud International Competition in 1991, Ms. Nohara gives recital and concerto performances throughout Europe as well as in her native Japan. She is in demand as a soloist by world-class conductors and her recent performances have brought her increasingly into the public view. 1994-1995 season highlights included critically acclaimed performances with Lorin Maazel and the Philharmonia Orchestra, Seiji Ozawa and the New Japan Philharmonic, as well as chamber performances with the Philharmonische Virtuosen Berlin. Ms. Nohara's 1995-1996 season was highlighted by performances in Japan with Michel Plasson and the Dresden Philharmonic Symphony Orchestra, as well as a solo recital at Tokyo's Bunka Kaikan. After her successful 1996 season, she was invited to perform with the Philharmonia Orchestra and Lorin Maazel in Tokyo. Ms. Nohara continues to be active not only as a concerto soloist, but also in her chamber music and solo recital work. In March 2001, she played the complete solo piano works of Maurice Ravel over two evenings and in December 2002 received great acclaim for her participation in concerts centered around Messian's Quatuor pour la Fin du Temps. Ms. Nohara completed her undergraduate studies in the piano department of Tokyo University of Fine Arts and Music, in 1987 winning first place in the piano division of the 56th Japan Music Competition. After graduating at the top of her class in 1990, Ms. Nohara went on to study at the Ecole Normale in Paris, from which she graduated in 1992.