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

The end of the humid and depressing rainy season is in sight, and the dazzling, hot summer is just around the corner in mid-July. The Kanagawa Philharmonic Orchestra will hold a concert that will lead you to a positive state with a dynamic rhythm that is perfect for this season when people's hearts are bouncing and full of energy, on July 17th at Yokosuka Arts Theater and on the following day, July 18th at Minamiashigara City Cultural Hall.
 
The Kanagawa Philharmonic Orchestra temporarily suspended concerts last year due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Since last summer and this spring, they have gradually resumed their activities. However, various measures have been taken, such as limiting the number of performers depending on the situation and focusing on popular masterpieces and major works that make the audience feel at ease.
In the midst of all this, this concert will be a little more open and free than usual, and can be enjoyed as a glimpse into how we can overcome these difficulties.
 
The theme is Eastern European music. Pieces by Eastern European musicians include Dvorak's "New World" and Smetana's "The Moldau," which are well known to all Japanese people, even if they are not particularly knowledgeable about the region.
It is a unique and attractive music with a touch of melancholy and ethnic color, which is somehow different from Western music. From the rhythm, you can feel the sadness of the musicians who are thinking of their homeland, where they built their unique culture and traditions after a complicated and sad history, as well as a strength of life full of love. Doesn't this scene somehow seem to connect with the world today? Especially in times like these, please experience the rhythms of Eastern Europe, which resonate deep in your heart.
 
And the person who will be playing this wonderful music this time will be pianist Mari Kumamoto, who will be performing with the Kanagawa Philharmonic Orchestra for the first time. Mari, who moved to Spain at the age of 10, specializes in Spanish music and Latin piano music, which are full of ethnic colors, and continues to convey to the audience the "sounds" she has experienced and acquired in foreign countries. She is a wonderful pianist who is the perfect fit for this theme.
And then, she is our Magcal Ambassador. This time, I had the opportunity to talk to Mari Kumamoto directly. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the interview was conducted remotely. We also welcomed Toru Sakakibara (hereinafter referred to as Mr. Sakakibara), the music director of the Kanagawa Philharmonic Orchestra, and the interview was very fun and intense.
 
I would like to fully convey my feelings about the concert and the power of music, along with Mari's charm.
 
 
"Please tell us your thoughts about this concert being held under the special circumstances of the COVID-19 pandemic."
 
Mari:
"It is precisely because of the current situation that I want to share the importance of sound and the joy of sound.
Sensitivity is very important in staying healthy in body and mind. The concert is in July. With summer vacation starting, both children and adults feel like letting their hair down. But it's not always easy to do so to the fullest. 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. So, I want you to soak up the music with your whole body, just as you soak up the sun's rays! That's how I want you to feel.
 
Mr. Sakakibara:
"This time, we have put together pieces that are not usually performed by orchestras, are enjoyable to listen to, and have a rustic, nostalgic feel that will capture the hearts of Japanese people.
Although Eastern European music has become Westernized and is no longer even called "Eastern European," the rhythms and melodies born from the religions and cultures of the region remain intact, as does the free, unconventional originality. The theme is to bring out this essence now. Now that hope is slowly emerging in the world, please relax and enjoy.
I hope that everyone will feel free to enjoy the show.”
 
 
"Surprisingly, this is your first time performing with the Kanagawa Philharmonic Orchestra. How do you feel about that?"
 
Mari:
"It's really unexpected (laughs). I'm really looking forward to it.
Actually, I am often assigned to play concertos, but this time I am particularly happy to be able to play the Hungarian Fantasy, which is a piece I have a lot of attachment to, on stage for the first time with this great performer.
The conductor is the young and cutting edge Kumakura Masaru. He is "double bear." There aren't many people with names that include the character for "bear," so I feel a strong connection to him! He then goes on to say that Minamiashigara, where the concert will be held, is also Kintaro's hometown, and so is in fact connected to "bears."
Not a "double bear" but a "triple bear!" "I can't help but feel drawn to it," Mari said, laughing.

 
Mr. Sakakibara:
"I am very pleased that Mari will be performing with us this time. She moved to Spain as a teenager and has been conveying to us to this day what she has experienced as a Japanese person, seeing and feeling a foreign country and experiencing its traditions and culture.
Like Dvorak's "Slavonic Dances," which we will be performing again this time, these songs are rich in ethnic color and are created by looking at the country from both inside and outside, and incorporating various elements such as dreams, admiration, and even fears. There is a sound that only Mari can play, so I think she is the perfect fit for the role.
And the conductor of "Triple Bear" (lol), Masaru Kumakura, is a talented conductor who is active both in Japan and abroad at just 28 years old, and is currently highly anticipated. I'm really looking forward to this spectacular and wonderful concert."

Mari (left) as a teenager in Spain

"What does the Hungarian Fantasy mean to you, Mari?"

Mari:
"I've been listening to it live since I was about 12 or 13 years old in Spain. It's a song that's been really fun since then, and it made me think, as a child, that I want to play it someday! It's a song that I have a lot of attachment to.
Actually, I was suddenly chosen to perform in place of Chinese-American pianist Claire Huangci, who was unable to attend due to the effects of COVID-19. The piece that was originally scheduled to be performed was "Piano Concerto No. 1" by the same Franz Liszt, but when I heard the theme after hearing about the performance, I thought "Hungarian Fantasy" was the perfect fit.
This piece is not performed as often in Japan as it is in Europe, but it is a very interesting and fun piece. I also enjoy playing it. Liszt is often thought of as a technical composer in Japan, but in fact, his work is characterized by dance-like rhythms that are typical of Hungarians, and should be featured more.
Hungarian rhythms are like the drums at Japanese festivals or the Spanish paso doble. Isn't there an indigenous rhythm that makes your heart leap and get excited just by listening to it?

"Also, Liszt is one of the composers who has traveled a lot. He was born in Hungary, traveled a lot, saw many countries, experienced the smells of the towns and people, and experienced the tempo. Those experiences become part of the person's blood and become musical notes. I think it is because the music was created in this way that it is so seductive. I want everyone to know about these fascinating songs that make you think, 'I want to go to Hungary!'"

Mari performs Hungarian Fantasy with the Kanazawa Ensemble in Ishikawa Prefecture in 2016.

One last thing. This song uses a piano technique called glissando. It's a technique that isn't often used in concertos, but it's a beautiful and interesting way of playing using the backs of your fingers to play in a flowing, 'shararara' manner. You'll be excited to see where it will come out, so please try and find it. The concert is at a time that makes it easy to appreciate, so bring your children, friends, and family! I hope many people will come to be exposed to lots of sound and get some energy!

Mari says in her opinion that she is incredibly cheerful and charming, yet dignified!
Before the concert, there will be a pre-talk from Mari, in which she will talk in detail about the appeal of the songs.
Mari's sunny smile and performance will put you in a positive mood, and it's sure to be an invigorating summer day.
Please be sure to visit it.

Mari Kumamoto appears at the Kanagawa Philharmonic Orchestra Regular Concert
Prefectural Famous Songs Series No. 11: Dance! Dances of Eastern Europe and the East
[Date] Saturday, July 17, 2021
[Start time] 14:00 (doors open at 13:15)
[Venue] Yokosuka Arts Theatre

Profile of Mari Kumamoto
A passionate pianist born in Tokyo and currently living in Yokohama.
He studied at the Royal Conservatory of Music in Spain, the Juilliard School in the US, and the Royal Academy of Music in the UK. He is a specialist in Spanish music.
He is actively spreading Japanese melodies around the world.
In addition to performing both in Japan and overseas, he also appears on television, radio, and writes.
Professor at Osaka University of Arts.
He became the Magcal Ambassador in August 2016.
［Official website］ http://www.marikumamoto.com/index.html