Young talents born in Kanagawa will resonate in the concert hall at the 15th Fresh Concert.
The Kanagawa Philharmonic Orchestra's special concert, "Fresh Concert," presents a dazzling competition of up-and-coming young musicians. For its 15th installment, the concert will feature Takako Kojima (violin), who won the top prize in the junior high school division of the 35th Kanagawa Music Competition held last year, and Anna Oshiro (piano), who won the Grand Prix in the special category of the 44th PTNA Piano Competition.
We spoke with Ms. Oshiro, who was born and raised in Yokohama and had always dreamed of performing with the Kanagawa Philharmonic Orchestra, about her enthusiasm for the concert and her future dreams.
What inspired you to start playing the piano?
My mother plays the piano, so apparently I started playing on the piano at home when I was about two or three years old. Seeing that, my mother enrolled me in piano lessons when I turned four, so for me, it's more like "I was playing the piano before I even realized it" (laughs).
You have achieved outstanding results in numerous competitions.
I first participated in the PTNA competition when I was in first grade of elementary school. My teacher at the time encouraged me to participate, but I also enjoyed performing in front of people since I was little, so I found the idea of competing itself fun. Therefore, I don't think I was particularly interested in winning an award. However, in most cases, winning an award in a competition gives you the opportunity to perform in a concert, so that was something I looked forward to and a goal of mine.
So you've already had experience performing with an orchestra?
I participated in chamber music and small string ensembles from a young age, but my first experience performing with an orchestra was when I was in college. Playing a concerto had been a dream of mine since I was little, so I was incredibly happy. I kept challenging myself in the PTNA competition not so much to win the grand prize, but because if I made it to the finals, I would be able to perform with an orchestra at Suntory Hall, and that was my goal.
This time, we'll be performing with the Kanagawa Philharmonic Orchestra.
I was born and raised in Yokohama, so I've been to Kanagawa Philharmonic concerts many times. Whenever my seniors from the same music school performed with the Kanagawa Philharmonic, I would always go to listen and dream, "Someday I'll do that too!" So, it's a real honor that this childhood dream is about to become a reality.
I'm so happy to be able to perform at the Kanagawa Prefectural Music Hall. It's often used as a venue for competitions, so I first stood on the stage of the music hall when I was in first grade of elementary school. It was my first time performing in such a magnificent hall, and I remember being overwhelmed by its size. I feel truly fortunate to be able to perform a concerto with the Kanagawa Philharmonic Orchestra, which I've always admired, in this historic hall.
Could you tell us about the Ravel Piano Concerto that you will be performing today?
It's an impactful piece that begins with the sound of a whip cracking! After that, various instruments such as the piccolo are played, so I think it's a piece that even people unfamiliar with classical music can enjoy. I myself was captivated by its charm from the first time I heard it, and I was completely absorbed in listening to it. It also appeared in "Nodame Cantabile," didn't it? It's a piece I've always admired and the one I wanted to play the most, so I'm incredibly happy.
Please tell us about your dreams as a pianist and your aspirations for the future.
I am fortunate to have many opportunities to perform in front of an audience, and I want to cherish each and every one of them, striving to create music that touches the hearts of those who come to listen. For example, when I am invited to perform at school or local events, there are many audience members who are not usually familiar with classical music. I hope to be able to convey the charm of music to such people as well.
I've always wanted to study abroad, and I'd love to attend a music school overseas someday. Right now, I can't make any concrete plans, but I definitely want to try it once the pandemic is over.
thank you very much!
[Kanagawa Philharmonic Orchestra's 15th Fresh Concert]
[Date and time] Saturday, February 27, 2021, 14:00 start
[Venue] Kanagawa Prefectural Music Hall
[Conductor] Riki Iwamura
[Co-stars]
Takako Kojima (Violin) [Winner of the Grand Prize and the Kanagawa Prefectural Governor's Award (Grand Prize) in the Junior High School Division of the 35th Kanagawa Music Competition]
Anna Oshiro (piano) [44th PTNA Piano Competition Grand Prix and Minister of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology Award]
[Main Tracks]
Mozart / Overture to the opera "The Impresario" K.486
Mozart / Violin Concerto No. 3 in G major, K. 216
Ravel / Suite "Le Tombeau de Couperin"
Ravel / Piano Concerto in G Major
*Please note that performers, songs, etc. may be subject to change due to unavoidable circumstances.
[Price] All seats reserved: ¥3,000 / Youth (under 25): ¥1,500
[Inquiries] Kanagawa Philharmonic Ticket Service Tel. 045-226-5107 (Tues & Weds 10:00-13:00) / Ticket Kanagawa Tel. 0570-015-415
*Please refrain from bringing preschool-aged children.
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The application period for this giveaway has ended. Thank you for your many entries.
[Gift Application Details]
We are giving away tickets to the 15th Fresh Concert, which will be held at Kanagawa Prefectural Music Hall on Saturday, February 27th at 2:00 PM, to 3 pairs of people (6 people total).
[How to apply]
If you would like to receive a free viewing ticket, please apply using the application form below. We look forward to receiving your applications.
[Application Deadline]
Until 23:59 on Friday, February 12, 2021
[Lottery and Winner Announcement]
Winners will be notified by email, so please check your spam settings. The email will be from the Magcul.net administrative office (info.magcul@gmail.com).
Winners will be notified via the email address mentioned above. On the day of the performance, please present your winning notification email at the reception desk of the Kanagawa Prefectural Music Hall. A staff member will then give you your ticket.
*The personal information you provide will not be used for any purpose other than the lottery.
