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

The Kanagawa Prefectural Music Hall is Japan's first public facility dedicated to music, and boasts 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, violinist Asako Fukuda, who won first place at the Tokyo Music Competition, known as the gateway to success for young musicians, and conductor Kenshiro Sakairi, who has emerged like a rising star and is sweeping the classical music world, will perform a wonderful show with the Kanagawa Philharmonic Orchestra. Why not celebrate the New Year with the vibrant sounds of youth and talent?
Top image: Asako Fukuda, Photo: Shigeto Imura

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

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

According to my mother, my older sister and brother had already learned to play the violin, so I naturally said, "I want to try it too!" I chose the path of becoming a violinist because I felt I was good at playing the violin, and because everyone in my family was involved in music, 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 stringed instruments, and my father took over the business, and my mother studied vocal music. I have three siblings, and all three are currently active as violinists.

Wow, what a thoroughbred! Do you have any stories related to music?

As for episodes, my mother would accompany me when I practiced, and when I was a child, we would often play together as a trio at weddings and funerals. Recently, I've had the opportunity to perform a duo concert with my brother several times. When we play together, it's great that we can talk honestly and openly because we're brothers, but on the other hand, we sometimes express ourselves too directly and end up fighting over how we play. My brother and I were learning from the same teacher and taking part in competitions at the same time, so we would listen to each other and give 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 also due to my father's influence.

What kind of violinist do you want to be?

In my opinion, an attractive performer is 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 keep accumulating "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, and I try to focus on what I can do at the moment.

What do you think is the unique charm of Asako the violinist?

People often comment that the delicate expression is attractive. 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 play at the Kanagawa Prefectural Music Hall and perform with the Kanagawa Philharmonic Orchestra!

Kanagawa Prefectural Music Hall ©Ryo Hata

Please tell us what you think are the highlights of this show.

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

What does music mean to you, Asako?

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

Is there anything you would like to say to those who aspire to be musicians?

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

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 how Asako's technique and sensibility will weave the sounds of the music left behind by great musicians of the past.
The world has overcome many hardships and is welcoming a new year with a desire for peace. You can be sure that you will hear a performance worthy of welcoming the year 2023.
Everyone, please look forward to it!

Kanagawa Philharmonic Orchestra "17th Fresh Concert For Future"

[Date and time] Monday, January 9, 2023, 14:00 start
[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 years old): 1,500 yen
[Supported by] Agency for Cultural Affairs Cultural Arts Promotion Subsidy (Performing Arts Creation Activity Revitalization Project) | Japan Arts Council