Enjoy the fresh sounds created by young musicians in this historic concert hall.

The Kanagawa Prefectural Music Hall, Japan's first full-fledged public concert hall, is about to celebrate its 68th anniversary.
The Kanagawa Philharmonic Orchestra will present their "Fresh Concert" in this hall on January 15th, after the New Year.
For this 16th edition, three young musicians will present a wonderful performance with the Kanagawa Philharmonic Orchestra: Yuta Ito (trombone), who won first prize in the brass section of the 18th Tokyo Music Competition; Asumi Yamaguchi (violin), who won second prize at the 2020 Senzoku Gakuen College of Music Graduate School Grand Prix Special Concert; and Kisara Yonemitsu (piano), who won the Kanagawa Prefectural Assembly Chairman's Award in the high school division of the Youth Piano section of the 37th Kanagawa Music Competition.

This concert, held in a place filled with countless aspirations and memories from her childhood, where she has visited numerous competitions, will feature the Kanagawa Philharmonic Orchestra, an orchestra she has always dreamed of performing with.
This time, we interviewed Kisa Yonemitsu, a young pianist whose dream has come true and who is truly overflowing with sparkling talent and hope. Please enjoy the interview until the end.

My impression of Kisaki-san when I met her was that she was literally sparkling.
She was very beautiful, and gave off an impression of being delicate yet full of hope. I'm already excited to hear what kind of sound her piano playing will produce.
The interview took place inside the Kanagawa Art Hall. In the quiet hall, which we were able to use for this occasion, with only us present, even the sound of Kisaki's heels echoed beautifully.
We immediately began the interview.

Please tell us what inspired you to choose the path of a pianist.

I first touched a piano when I started attending music lessons in kindergarten. Later, in elementary school, I began participating in competitions, but at first, I didn't win any awards, which was frustrating. I think that's probably when I started seriously aiming to become a professional pianist.

Have you ever been interested in other musical instruments?

Actually, I became interested in brass band music when I played the trumpet in the brass band in fifth grade. However, my piano skills had also improved by then, so I ultimately chose piano.

Have you ever had an experience where you almost gave up on playing the piano?

I never felt like giving up, but I did hesitate about my future path, wondering whether to choose a music high school or a regular high school. Ultimately, I decided to go to music school because my teacher at the time, Mr. Yusuke Kikuchi, was a teacher at a music school, and I wanted to follow in his footsteps.

Please tell us about the kind of pianist you aspire to be, Kisaki.

I want to become a pianist who can express my own unique style. There are moments during a performance when I can completely immerse myself in the music, and I want to increase those moments. And in the future, I want to become a teacher who can pass on various things to others, not just perform.

What exactly does "being yourself" mean?
　
I think it's especially the delicate aspects. In performance, I believe that not only power but also the delicate elements that can move people are important. So I want to further refine my expressive abilities.
　
What does the piano mean to you?

Hmm, the piano... (hesitates) It's always by my side, and there's hardly a time when I'm not playing it... so I guess it's my life itself (laughs).

Kisaki-san, you've won numerous awards at a young age, but if you remember the first time you won an award, could you tell us about it?

It was when I was in second or third grade of elementary school. I won first place in a competition that I had failed to win in first grade. When my name was called, I felt such a sense of accomplishment that I burst into tears. I was so happy.

What are your feelings when you're competing in a competition?

To be honest, until around middle school, I entered competitions mainly to win awards. But once I got to high school, I started to focus more on the process—the practice leading up to the competition, my mindset, and so on—rather than the results. Strangely enough, I've found that I get better results when I don't focus on the outcome (laughs).

Please tell us what you keep in mind when you perform, and if there are any special thoughts or feelings you have.

It's not just about the technical aspects, like avoiding mistakes, but about leaving a lasting impression with your performance and conveying something to others.

Please tell us what sets you apart from other pianists—what makes you uniquely "Kizaki-style"!

Well... (laughs) I'm often told that my high notes have a sparkling quality, so I guess that's it (blushes).

This time you'll be performing with the Kanagawa Philharmonic Orchestra at the historic Kanagawa Prefectural Music Hall. What are your thoughts on this?

I first visited the concert hall for a competition when I was in fifth grade. Since then, it has been a place I've admired and have fond memories of, so I'm very happy. And to be able to perform in my hometown with the local orchestra that I've always dreamed of is truly wonderful.

Regarding Tchaikovsky's Concerto No. 1, which will be performed this time, please tell us about any highlights or points of interest that you would like us to pay attention to.

In the first movement, I expressed joy, or to put it in my own terms, the happiness of being able to perform together in this place.
The second movement is a retrospective section; it seems like it can be played while reflecting on past memories and reminiscing.
The third movement is a vibrant piece, and I think it's a good way to express my determination and strong resolve for the future. I hope you enjoy it.

What are your future resolutions, exactly?

Since entering university, I've definitely felt the harshness of a world different from high school, such as the high level of competition around me. However, I want to push forward without being defeated and challenge myself with even more new things.

What is the source of the strength that allows Kisaki to keep fighting and not give up right now?

I receive guidance from many teachers both inside and outside of school. I want to reciprocate their sincere guidance!
I strongly feel that way.

thank you very much!

As I listened to her speak, I sensed a calm yet very strong will, and I was struck by her adorable, occasional bursts of laughter.
I've heard that people often say her high notes are sparkling, and that really matches my image of Kisaki.

Please come and see the 16th Fresh Concert!

Kanagawa Philharmonic Orchestra's 16th Fresh Concert
[Date and time] Saturday, January 15, 2022, starting at 2:00 p.m.
[Main program] Mozart / Overture from the opera "The Marriage of Figaro"
Reicha/Trombone Concerto No. 2 in A major
Prokofiev / Violin Concerto No. 1 in D major, Op. 19
Tchaikovsky/Piano Concerto No. 1 in B-flat minor, Op. 23
[Price] General admission: 3,000 yen; Youth (under 25): 1,500 yen
[Grant] Arts and Culture Promotion Fund Grant Program
[Sponsored by] Classic Yokohama | All Japan Piano Teachers Association (PTNA)