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 heat of summer is just around the corner. The Kanagawa Philharmonic Orchestra will be holding a concert on July 17th at the Yokosuka Arts Theatre and on the following day, July 18th, at Minamiashigara City Cultural Hall, with a vibrant rhythm that will lift your spirits and lift your spirits in this season.
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, they have taken various measures depending on the situation, such as limiting the number of performers and focusing on popular masterpieces and major works that will give audiences a sense of security.
In the midst of all this, this concert will be a little more open and free than usual, as if it were a hope for overcoming these difficulties.
The theme is Eastern European music, with pieces by Eastern European musicians such as Dvorak's "New World" and Smetana's "The Moldau," which are well known to all Japanese people, even if they are not particularly knowledgeable.
It is a unique and fascinating music with a touch of melancholy and ethnic color that is somehow different from Western music. Its rhythms convey a sense of sadness, as musicians long for their homeland, where they built their own culture and traditions after a complex and tragic history, but also a strength of vitality filled with love. Doesn't this scene somehow resonate with the world today? Especially in times like these, please experience the rhythms of Eastern Europe, which resonate deeply in your heart.
The wonderful music to be performed this time will be by pianist Mari Kumamoto, who will be performing with the Kanagawa Philharmonic Orchestra for the first time. Mari moved to Spain at the age of 10 and specializes in Spanish and Latin piano music, rich in ethnic influences. She continues to convey to the audience the "sounds" she has experienced and acquired in foreign countries, making her a perfect match for this theme.
And then there's our Magcal Ambassador. This time, I had the opportunity to speak to Mari Kumamoto directly. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the interview was conducted remotely. We also quickly welcomed Toru Sakakibara (hereinafter referred to as Mr. Sakakibara), music director of the Kanagawa Philharmonic Orchestra, and it was a very enjoyable and in-depth interview.
I would like to fully convey my thoughts about the concert and the power of music, along with Mari's charm.
"Please tell us your thoughts about this concert, which is 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 and joy of sound.
Sensitivity is extremely important for living a healthy life, both physically and mentally. The concert is in July. With summer vacation upon us, both children and adults feel like letting loose. However, it's not always possible 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'll 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 what I want to do."
Mr. Sakakibara:
"This time, we have collected pieces that are not usually performed by orchestras, are worth listening 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 Europe," it still retains the rhythms and melodies born from the religions and cultures of the region, as well as a free and unconventional originality. The theme is to bring out this now. Now that hope is gradually emerging in the world, please relax and enjoy the music.
I hope everyone will enjoy it with a free mind."
"Surprisingly, this is your first time performing with the Kanagawa Philharmonic Orchestra. How do you feel about that?"
Mari:
"It's really unexpected (laughs) but 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 I have a strong attachment to, on our first joint stage performance.
The conductor is the cutting edge young conductor, Kumakura Masaru. "We have a double bear. There aren't many people with names that have the character for bear in them, so I feel a strong connection to it!" he said, revealing that Minamiashigara, where the concert will be held, is also Kintaro's hometown, and so is in fact connected to the word "bear."
Not a "double bear" but a "triple bear!" "I can't help but think that we were drawn to each other," Mari said with a laugh.
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 through her performances 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, looking at a country from both inside and outside, and incorporating various elements such as dreams, aspirations, and even fears. There is a sound that only Mari can play, and I think she is perfectly suited for the role.
And the conductor of "Triple Bear" (lol), Kumakura Masaru, is an outstanding conductor who is currently highly anticipated and active both in Japan and overseas, despite only being 28 years old. This is a truly exciting lineup that promises to be a 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 I have a lot of feelings for, and it's a song that I've always enjoyed, and made me think as a child that I want to play it someday!
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 also 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.
This piece is not performed as often in Japan as it is in Europe, but it is a very interesting and enjoyable piece. I personally 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 Hungarian music, and should be featured more.
"When I think of rhythms that are characteristically Hungarian, I would compare them to the Japanese festival drums or the Spanish paso doble. You know those indigenous rhythms that make your heart leap and get excited just by listening to them?"
"Also, Liszt is one of the most well-traveled composers. He was born in Hungary, traveled extensively, saw many countries, and experienced the smells of the towns and people, as well as the tempo. Those experiences become part of a person's blood and are then turned into musical notes. I think it's because his music was created in this way that it is so captivating. I want everyone to get to know these fascinating pieces that make you think, 'I want to go to Hungary,' when you listen to them!"
Mari performs Hungarian Fantasy with Ensemble Kanazawa in Ishikawa Prefecture in 2016.
One last thing. This song uses a piano technique called glissando. It's not 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, shalala-like manner. You'll be excited to see where it will appear. Be sure to try and find it. The concert is at a convenient time, so bring your children, friends, and family! I hope many people will come and be immersed in the sound and get energized!
Mari says in her opinion that she is incredibly cheerful and charming, yet also dignified.
Before the concert, Mari will give a pre-talk 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 open-minded summer day.
Please be sure to visit.
Mari Kumamoto appears at the Kanagawa Philharmonic Orchestra Regular Concert
Prefectural Famous Songs Series No. 11: Dance! Dances from Eastern Europe and Beyond
[Date] Saturday, July 17, 2021
[Start] 14:00 (Doors open at 13:15)
[Venue] Yokosuka Arts Theatre
Kumamoto Mari's Profile
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, and is a specialist in Spanish music.
He is actively spreading Japanese melodies around the world.
In addition to performing both domestically and internationally, he also appears on television, radio and writes.
Professor at Osaka University of Arts.
He became the Magcul Ambassador in August 2016.
[Official website] http://www.marikumamoto.com/index.html
