Celebrate the New Year with the youthful performances of rising star performers!

The Kanagawa Prefectural Music Hall is Japan's first public facility dedicated to music, boasting a 68-year history.
The 17th Fresh Concert For Future, a collaboration between the Kanagawa Philharmonic Orchestra and young, talented musicians, will be held in a historic hall on January 9th. This time, two musicians will be performing a magnificent show with the Kanagawa Philharmonic Orchestra: violinist Asako Fukuda, who won first place at the Tokyo Music Competition, known as a gateway to success for young musicians, and conductor Kenshiro Sakairi, who has emerged like a rising star and is sweeping the classical music world. Why not celebrate the New Year with the vibrant sounds of these young and talented musicians?
Top image: Asako Fukuda, photo: Shigeto Imura

This time, we spoke with violinist Asako Fukuda.
It was a very wonderful talk.
Please enjoy until the end!

First of all, please tell us what made you choose to become a violinist.

According to my mother, my older sister and brother had already learned to play the violin, so naturally I said, "I want to try it too!" I chose the path of a violinist because I felt I was good at playing the violin, and everyone in my family was involved in music, so it was natural for me to continue playing an instrument and aspire to become a performer.

Please tell us about your family.

My grandfather was originally a bow maker for string instruments, and my father took over the business, while my mother studied vocal music. I am one of three siblings, and all three are active as violinists.

Wow, that's a thoroughbred! Do you have any stories related to music?

As an anecdote, my mother would accompany me when I practiced, and as a child we would often perform together as a trio at weddings, funerals, and other special occasions. Recently, I've had the opportunity to perform a few duo concerts with my brother. When we play together, it's great that we can speak honestly and openly because we're brothers, but on the other hand, we can both be too direct in our expressions, and sometimes we end up arguing over the way we play. My brother and I studied with the same teacher and competed in competitions at the same time, so we often listened to each other and gave each other advice.
I am still far from my ideal level of playing, but my father was very particular about tone, and I think my strong sense of awareness of sound quality is partly due to his influence.

What kind of violinist do you aspire to be?

In my opinion, an attractive performer can be said to be an attractive person. There are as many great performers as there are stars in the sky, but you can't become someone other than yourself, and other people can't become you, so I think the important thing is "how far you can face yourself." I want to continue to accumulate "something" that is born from facing myself and music.

Have you ever felt like giving up, and how did you overcome it?

When I see an overwhelming and wonderful performance, I sometimes feel a certain despair, but music is not about comparing yourself to others, so I try to focus on what I can do at the moment.

What is the unique appeal of Asako as a violinist?

I often get told that the delicate expression is fascinating. Also, because I use instruments from the 1700s, I think the distinctive feature is the rich tone that only old instruments can produce.

What are your thoughts about performing with the Kanagawa Philharmonic Orchestra at the historic Kanagawa Prefectural Music Hall?

I was born and raised in Kanagawa Prefecture, so I am very happy and honored to be able to perform at Kanagawa Prefectural Music Hall and to perform with the Kanagawa Philharmonic Orchestra!

Kanagawa Prefectural Music Hall © Hata Ryo

Please tell us what you think is worth listening to and looking out for this time.

All of the movements are extremely captivating, from the powerful and determined first movement to the tranquil second and dramatic third movement. I encourage everyone to listen carefully to the various tones of the violin.

What exactly does music mean to you, Asako?

It allows contemporary performers to recreate the magnificent works left behind by great composers of the past, and is also a tool for self-dialogue.

Is there anything you would like to say to younger generations who want to become musicians?

I myself am constantly searching for my ideal role as a musician, but I want to perform music with a comprehensive and multifaceted approach. I think it's important to think about how you want to interact with society through your performance!

Finally, I believe this concert will be a wonderful performance to kick off the new year!
Please come and join us!

Through the interview, I got the impression that he has a finely honed and wonderful musical sensibility, as well as being very intelligent and intelligent!
"Music is a tool for self-dialogue." Hmm. Deep...
I am very excited to see what kind of tones Asako will create with her technique and sensibility, recreating the music left behind by great musicians of the past.
The world has overcome many difficulties and is welcoming the new year with a desire for peace. There is no doubt that we will be able to hear a performance that is fitting for welcoming in 2023.
Everyone, please look forward to it!

Kanagawa Philharmonic Orchestra "17th Fresh Concert For Future"

[Date and time] Monday, January 9, 2023, starting at 2:00 p.m.
[Main program] Ibert/Homage to Mozart
Saint-Saëns / Violin Concerto No. 3 in B minor, Op. 61
Mozart / Symphony No. 41 in C major, K. 551 "Jupiter"
[Fee] Adults: 3,000 yen, Youth (under 25): 1,500 yen
[Subsidy] Agency for Cultural Affairs Cultural Arts Promotion Subsidy (Project to Revitalize Creative Performing Arts Activities) | Japan Arts Council