Talk to Magcul Ambassador Mari Kumamoto about Kanagawa culture and "evening parties"

(Top image: Mari Kumamoto 2022 ©Shimokoshi Haruki_Costume provided by Hiroko Koshino)

Mari Kumamoto, a passionate pianist who connects culture, art, and people through the power of music

Mari Kumamoto, a pianist well versed in Spanish music, grew up in Yokohama and lives there. Her base is the free, glamorous, and exotic city of Yokohama. This time, we asked Mari about this year's Magcal Ambassador activities and recommended events, focusing on the award ceremony held in her hometown of Yokohama.

Appreciate the "Fujisawa Citizens' Musical," a local musical featuring performers from elementary school students to those in their 70s

As a Magcal Ambassador, Mari supports activities that connect people through the appeal of culture and art. On March 12th, she attended the awards ceremony for the Kanagawa Musical Awards 2023. Original regional works based on local legends and folk tales were solicited, and two outstanding groups were selected through preliminary screening. As one of the judges, she praised the award.

Kanagawa Musical Awards 2023 Awards Ceremony

--This year, seven groups entered and the top two were awarded prizes.

Kumamoto Thank you to everyone who applied. Congratulations to the award-winning Fujisawa Civic Musical and Yokohama Civic Children's Musical. I saw all the works, and each script was wonderful, rich in local color and had a storyline. What was impressive about the top two groups was the lively and powerful performers.

"Fujisawa Citizens' Musical" won first place at the "Kanagawa Musical Awards 2023"

"Yokohama Citizens' Children's Musical" attracts elementary school to high school students for its relaxed instruction

--On the day of the award ceremony, there will also be a performance of the Fujisawa Citizens' Musical, which won first place.

Kumamoto: It's great to see group activities that bring together people of different generations, from elementary school students to people in their 70s. They were very particular about the music, stage lighting, and use of the stage, and it was really worth watching. That's right, at the awards ceremony I suggested, "Why not try a collaboration with live music next time?"

Kanagawa Musical Awards 2023 Awards Ceremony

--Performing a musical with live music is quite a challenge.

Kumamoto: I thought it would be easy to incorporate not only piano, but also flute and guitar. It would be interesting if we could make it a reality, and it would add depth to the piece. I'd be happy if you could use this as an idea in the future.

"Believe in the power of the piano's tone" - Mari's thoughts on her performance

--You also sent a message of support accompanied by a piano performance to the 34th National Health and Welfare Festival "Nenrinpik Kanagawa 2022" held last November.

I sent a message to the Kumamoto Sports Festival with a song called "Tsurugi no Mai (Sword Dance)" to cheer on the sport in a way that is unique to a pianist. The song is also chosen as background music for foot races and relays, so I hope I was able to convey a sense of dynamism. The power of the piano is incredible, so I poured my thoughts into the power of music.

Speaking of performances, the "Soirée Mari Kumamoto" that you hold every autumn is fast approaching. Are you working on any new projects?

This year's 10th Kumamoto concert will be held at the Tokyo Bunka Kaikan on October 5th. The concert will feature popular songs and pieces based on a theme, but this time we will be focusing on the Spanish musician Alicia de Larrocha, who is celebrating the centennial of her birth. She is one of the most representative pianists of the 20th century, and is a fascinating woman with a long career spanning some 70 years, dating back to her childhood.

Kumamoto: At last year's evening party, I was moved by the live "Bravo!" from the audience. Pianists are lonely until the concert, so I savored the happiness of finally being able to perform. For this concert, I chose songs with the audience's reactions as my top priority, and I would be even happier if they matched what I wanted to play. I hope to resonate with everyone who listens.

Mari Kumamoto in a chic and gorgeous dress

Even if you have small hands, you can become a pianist! I want to share my experience

Mari has been a professor at Osaka University of Arts since 2008, where she is also working to train the next generation of musicians. She provides varied instruction to each student, with varying levels of difficulty, for students with different goals, such as winning a competition, becoming a teacher, or simply improving.

-Is there anything you keep in mind when teaching?

Kumamoto: The important thing when playing the piano is to know your own weaknesses and charming points. For example, everyone has different hands, and mine are very small... One of my instructors once told me I'd never be able to become a professional pianist. But another instructor told me to "get a massage in the bath," so I tried it. There are piano pieces that are suitable for people with small hands, so I think it's important to know your individuality and develop them.

--I see, so diversity is needed in the music world as well.

Kumamoto: Yes, because you can't use the same method on every student. At the music school I attended in Spain, there was no age limit for instruction. Just as each person has different goals, individuality is given top priority in instruction. I think that kind of attitude is important.

Kumamoto: I think Latin music is a good fit for piano education. I feel that by focusing on emotional expression rather than fingering instruction, sensitivity is nurtured.

--When I think of Spanish music, I think of guitar and flamenco.

Kumamoto: There are many excellent piano pieces. The contrast between light and dark is clear and easy to imagine, and the melodies are also popular with Japanese people. Alicia de Larrocha, who will be featured at this year's evening party, is also wonderful, so be sure to check her out.

--What style of piano education would you like to pursue if you were to teach Spanish music?

Kumamoto: I previously participated in a volunteer activity called a "piano clinic" in Tohoku. I would like to hold a public lesson as a pianist in a similar format to that experience. If people of all ages, from children to adults, are free to participate, I think I could give lectures on why they can't play as well as they would like and how to play well. I would also like to do this as a Magcal Ambassador! I would like to hold the event in the Kanagawa Prefectural Government Building, which has great historical value.

【profile】
Mari Kumamoto
Pianist/Kanagawa Prefecture Magcul Ambassador

Born in Tokyo, he began playing the piano at the age of five and moved to Spain with his family at the age of ten.
The following year he entered the Royal Conservatory of Music in Madrid, Spain, at the age of 17 he entered the Juilliard School, and at the age of 20 he entered the Royal Academy of Music in London.
He returned to Japan at the age of 22 and made his debut in Japan at the age of 24. As a specialist in Spanish music, he completed the world's first recording of the complete piano works of Spanish composer Federico Mompou.
He has been active in a wide range of fields, including serving as a judge for international piano competitions, appearing on television and radio, and writing.
In 2008, he became a professor at Osaka University of Arts, where he is also devoted to mentoring the next generation of artists. He lives in Yokohama.

Official website : http://www.marikumamoto.com/
Instagram https://www.instagram.com/marikumamoto/
Twitter https://twitter.com/marikumamoto
YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@marikumamoto627/videos

[Concert Information]
■Soirée Mari Kumamoto
Hot Nights in Spain - A Tribute to Alicia de Larrocha
Thursday, October 5, 2023, 6:30 PM (Doors open at 6:00 PM) Tokyo Bunka Kaikan Small Hall
Inquiries: Pro Arte Musice 03-3943-6677 https://www.proarte.jp/

■Osaka University of Arts Promenade Concert 2023
・Nagoya performance
Wednesday, August 23, 2023, 6:00 PM (Doors open at 5:00 PM) Aichi Prefectural Arts Theatre Concert Hall
・Osaka performance
Thursday, August 24, 2023, 6:30 PM (Doors open 5:30 PM) Festival Hall
・Tokyo performance
Monday, August 28, 2023, 6:00 PM (Doors open at 5:00 PM) Suntory Hall, Main Hall
For reservations and inquiries, please contact Osaka Art Agency at 06-6372-4583 (weekdays 9:00-17:00)