Let's bask in the sound like the sun. ~This summer, a special concert presented by Magcal Ambassador pianist Mari Kumamoto and the Kanagawa Philharmonic~

It's mid-July, and the end of the humid and gloomy rainy season is beginning to be seen, and the bright, feverish summer is just around the corner. The Kanagawa Philharmonic Orchestra will hold a concert that will lead you in a positive direction with lively rhythms that are perfect for this season, when people's hearts are excited and full of energy.The concert will be held at the Yokosuka Arts Theater on July 17th and the following day on the 18th. It will be held at the Minamiashigara City Cultural Center on the 1st.
 
The Kanagawa Philharmonic Orchestra temporarily suspended its concerts last year due to the coronavirus pandemic. We have gradually resumed our activities from last summer to this spring. However, various measures have been taken, such as limiting the number of performers depending on the situation and focusing on popular masterpieces and masterpieces that will make the audience feel at ease.
In the midst of all this, this concert will be a little more open and enjoyable than usual, as if it is a hope to escape this difficult situation.
 
The theme is Eastern European music. Works by Eastern European musicians include Dvořák's ``New World'' and Smetana's ``Moldau,'' which all Japanese people know, even if they are not particularly knowledgeable.
Unique and attractive music with a melancholy and ethnic color, which is somehow different from Western music. I feel that from this rhythm, I can feel the sadness and even the strength of the loving vitality of the musicians who are thinking about their homeland, which has gone through a complicated and sad history and built its own culture and traditions. Don't you feel like this scene somehow connects with today's world? In times like these, please come and experience the rhythms of Eastern Europe that resonate deeply in your heart.
 
And this time, the person playing wonderful music is pianist Mari Kumamoto, who is performing with the Kanagawa Philharmonic Orchestra for the first time. Mari, who moved to Spain at the age of 10, specializes in ethnic Spanish music and Latin piano music, and is a wonderful pianist who continues to convey to audiences the "sounds" she experienced and acquired in foreign countries, making her the perfect match for this theme.
And, he is our Magcal Ambassador. This time, I had the privilege of speaking directly with Mari Kumamoto. Due to the coronavirus pandemic, the interview was conducted remotely. At short notice, we also welcomed Mr. Toru Sakakibara (hereinafter referred to as Mr. Sakakibara), chief music officer of the Kanagawa Philharmonic Orchestra, and it was a very enjoyable and in-depth interview.
 
I would like to fully convey Mari's passion for concerts and the power of music, as well as her charm.
 
 
[Please tell us your thoughts on this concert, which will be held under the special circumstances of the coronavirus pandemic.]
 
Mari:
“It is precisely because of this situation that I want to share the importance of sound and the joy of sound.
Sensitivity is very important in living a healthy mind and body. The concert will be held in July. Both children and adults feel like they want to stretch their wings as they enter summer vacation. But I'm not in a situation where I can do my best. The Hungarian composer Franz Liszt's ``Hungarian Fantasy'' that we will be performing this time is a fun dance piece with a folk rhythm that you will never forget once you hear it. That's why I want you to bathe your whole body in sound, just as you bathe in the sun's rays! That's my feeling. ”
 
Mr. Sakakibara:
``This time, we have collected songs that are not usually performed by orchestras, are worth listening to, and have an earthy, nostalgic feel that captures the hearts of Japanese people.
Although it has become Westernized and is no longer even called "Eastern Europe," the music of Eastern Europe still retains the rhythms and melodies of the region's religion and culture, as well as the free originality that is not standardized. remain. The theme is to try to bring that out now. Now that we are gradually seeing hope in the world, please feel at ease.
We want everyone to enjoy it with a sense of freedom. ”
 
 
《Surprisingly, this is my first time collaborating with the Kanagawa Philharmonic Orchestra. How are you feeling? 》
 
Mari:
``It's really surprising (lol) I'm really looking forward to it.
Actually, a concerto is often given a specific piece of music, but this time I was really happy to be able to play the Hungarian Fantasy, which I have a strong attachment to, on stage for the first time.
The conductor is Yu Kumakura, a young cutting-edge. It's a "double bear". There aren't that many names with the word "kuma" in them, so I feel very connected to it! ” and that Minamiashigara, where the concert will be held, is also Kintaro's hometown and is actually connected to ``Kuma.''
Not “double bear” but “triple bear!” ”! Mari says with a laugh, "I can't help but feel drawn to her."

 
Mr. Sakakibara:
“I am very happy to be able to perform on this occasion.I moved to Spain when I was a teenager, and as a Japanese person, I looked at a foreign country, felt it, and experienced its traditions and culture, which I have conveyed through my performances to this day. Mari-san for giving me this.
Like Dvořák's ``Slavic Dances,'' which will be performed this time, the songs are rich in ethnic colors, looking at the country from both inside and outside, and are created using various elements such as dreams, longings, and even fears. There is a sound that only Mari can produce, and I think she is the perfect person for the role.
And the conductor of ``Triple Kuma'' (lol), Yu Kumakura, is only 28 years old and is an excellent conductor who is highly anticipated and active both domestically and internationally. I'm really looking forward to the lineup, and I'm sure it will be a spectacular and wonderful concert. ”

Mari (left) as a teenager during the Spanish era

《What kind of music does Hungarian Fantasy mean to Mari?》

Mari:
``I've been listening to it live since I was around 12 or 13 years old when I was living in Spain.It's been a really fun song since then, and it's a song that I have a strong attachment to because it made me want to play it someday!
In fact, this time, I was suddenly decided to perform in place of Claire Huang, a Chinese-American pianist who was unable to attend due to the coronavirus. The song that was originally scheduled to be performed was Franz Liszt's ``Piano Concerto No. 1,'' but when I was asked to perform and heard the theme, I thought ``Hungarian Fantasy'' would be perfect. That's what I thought.
It's a song that isn't played as often in Japan as it is in Europe, but it's a very interesting and fun song. It's a lot of fun for me to play as well. Although Liszt is often thought of as a highly skilled composer in Japan, he actually has a characteristic Hungarian dance rhythm, and should be featured more.
Examples of typical Hungarian rhythms include ``Japanese festival drums'' and ``Spanish paso doble.'' There are some indigenous rhythms that make your heart jump and get excited just by listening to them, right? ”

“Also, Liszt is one of the most well-travelled composers. He was born in Hungary and traveled a lot, seeing many different countries and experiencing the smells and tempos of the cities and people. It becomes the person's blood and becomes a musical note.I think it's because the music is created that way that it seduces people so much.When you listen to it, it makes you think, ``I want to go to Hungary.'' I want everyone to know about such an attractive song! That's what I'm thinking. ”

Mari playing Hungarian Fantasy with Ensemble Kanazawa in Ishikawa Prefecture in 2016

One last thing. This song uses a piano technique called glissando. Although this technique is not often used in concertos, it is a very nice and interesting way of playing, using the backs of the fingers in a flowing, sharara-la manner. Where will it come out? I think it can be exciting. Please try looking for it. The concert is held at a time that is convenient for viewing, so bring your kids, friends, and family! I would like many people to come and listen to the sounds and get some energy! ”

Absolutely bright and charming. And yet Rin! Mari talks about her personal theory.
Before the concert, there will be a pre-talk with Mari, where she will talk about the appeal of the songs.
It's sure to be a liberating summer day, with Mari's sunny smile and performance making you feel positive.
Please come and visit us.

"Kanagawa Philharmonic Orchestra Regular Concert" starring Mari Kumamoto
Prefectural Masterpiece Series No. 11 Dancing! Dances from Eastern Europe and beyond
[Date] Saturday, July 17, 2021
[Start] 14:00 (Doors open at 13:15)
[Venue] Yokosuka Arts Theater

Mari Kumamoto profile
A passionate pianist. Born in Tokyo, currently lives in Yokohama.
Studied at the Royal Conservatoire of Spain, the Juilliard School of Music in the United States, and the Royal Academy of Music in the United Kingdom. Spanish music specialist.
Actively spreading Japanese melodies to the world.
In addition to performing at home and abroad, he also works on television, radio, and writes.
Professor at Osaka University of Arts.
Appointed as Magcal Ambassador from August 2016.
[Official website] http://www.marikumamoto.com/index.html