An interview with MagCul Ambassador Mari Kumamoto: Kanagawa's culture and the story of "night gatherings"

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

Connecting culture, art, and people through the power of music: Passionate pianist Mari Kumamoto

Pianist Mari Kumamoto, who is well-versed in Spanish music, grew up and lives in Yokohama. Her foundation is rooted in the free-spirited, vibrant, and exotic atmosphere of Yokohama. This time, we spoke with Mari about her activities as a Magcal Ambassador this year, focusing on the awards ceremony held in her hometown of Yokohama, and her recommended events.

Featuring performers ranging from elementary school students to people in their 70s! Enjoy the "Fujisawa Citizens' Musical," a musical deeply rooted in the local community.

As a MagCul Ambassador, Mari supports activities that connect people through the charm of culture and art. On March 12th, she attended the awards ceremony for the "Kanagawa Musical Award 2023." The awards sought original works with a regional character based on local legends and folk tales, and selected two outstanding groups through a preliminary screening. As one of the judges, she celebrated their achievement.

Kanagawa Musical Awards 2023 Awards Ceremony

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

Thank you to everyone who submitted an entry from Kumamoto. Congratulations to the winners, Fujisawa Citizens' Musical and Yokohama Citizens' Children's Musical. I watched all the entries, and each script was wonderful, rich in local flavor and with a great storyline. What impressed me most about the top two groups was the lively and powerful performances of their 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 awards ceremony, the "Fujisawa Citizens' Musical," which won first place, will also be performed.

It's great to see a group activity in Kumamoto that brings together people of different generations, from elementary school students to those in their 70s. They paid attention to the music, stage lighting, and stage use, and it was very impressive. In fact, at the awards ceremony, I suggested, "How about collaborating with a live band next time?"

Kanagawa Musical Awards 2023 Awards Ceremony

—A musical with live music is quite a challenge, isn't it?

Kumamoto: I think it would be easy to incorporate not only piano, but also flute and guitar. It would be interesting if it could be realized, and it would add depth to the work. I would be happy if you could use it as an idea for the future.

"I believe in the power of the piano's sound." Mari's thoughts on what she puts into her performances.

—You also sent a message of support, complete with piano music, to the 34th National Health and Welfare Festival "Nenrinpic Kanagawa 2022," which was held last November, didn't you?

I wanted to offer a pianist's cheer for the Kumamoto Sports Festival, so I sent the song "Sword Dance" along with a message. It's a song that's often 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 feelings into the power of music.

--Speaking of performances, your annual autumn event, "Soirée Mari Kumamoto," is approaching. Are you working on any new projects?

This year marks the 10th time the concert has been held in Kumamoto, and it will take place on October 5th at the Tokyo Bunka Kaikan. The concert will feature popular songs and pieces based on a theme, and this time we will focus on the Spanish musician Alicia de Larrocha, who is celebrating the 100th anniversary of her birth. She is one of the leading pianists of the 20th century and a fascinating woman with a long career spanning approximately 70 years from her childhood.

Kumamoto: At last year's evening concert, I was deeply moved by the audience's genuine shouts of "Bravo!" As a pianist, I feel lonely until the concert, so I truly savored the joy of finally being able to perform. For this concert, my top priority in selecting the pieces is what the audience will like, and I would be even happier if that also coincides with what I want to play. I hope to resonate with everyone who listens.

Mari Kumamoto in a chic and gorgeous dress

Even with small hands, you can become a pianist! I want to share a message based on my own experience.

Since 2008, Mari has been a professor at Osaka University of Arts, where she is dedicated to nurturing the next generation of talent. She provides tailored instruction to each student, whose goals vary, from winning competitions and becoming a teacher to simply improving their skills.

—What do you keep in mind when coaching?

In Kumamoto, I believe that the most important thing when playing the piano is knowing your own weaknesses and strengths. For example, everyone has different hands, and mine are very small... One of my instructors even told me that I could never become a professional pianist. But another instructor told me to massage my hands in the bath, and I tried that. There are piano pieces that are suited to people with small hands, so I think it's important to know your own strengths and develop them.

—I see, so diversity is also needed in the world of music.

Kumamoto: That's right, you can't use the same method on every student. At the music school in Spain that I attended, there were no age restrictions for teaching. Just as each person has different goals, the teaching method prioritizes each individual's unique qualities. I think that kind of approach is important.

Kumamoto: I believe that Latin music is well-suited to piano education. I feel that by emphasizing emotional expression over finger technique instruction, students' sensibilities are nurtured.

—When we think of Spanish music, we often think of guitar and flamenco, don't we?

Kumamoto has many excellent piano pieces. The contrast between light and dark is clear and easy to visualize, and the melodies are to the liking of Japanese people. Alicia de Larrocha, whom we will introduce at this year's evening event, is also wonderful, so please be sure to check her out.

—Incorporating Spanish music into piano education! What style do you want to adopt?

Kumamoto: I previously participated in a volunteer activity called "Piano Clinic" in Tohoku. I'd like to try a similar approach and give a public lesson as a pianist. If people of all ages, from children to adults, can freely participate, I think I can give lectures on why they can't play as well as they'd like and how to play better. I'd also love to do this as part of my Magcal Ambassador activities! I'd like to make it happen at the Kanagawa Prefectural Government Building, which has great historical value.

【profile】
Kumamoto Mari
Pianist / Kanagawa Prefecture MagCul Ambassador

Born in Tokyo. She began playing the piano at the age of 5 and moved to Spain with her family at the age of 10.
The following year, he went to the Royal Conservatory of Music in Madrid, Spain; at 17, to the Juilliard School; and at 20, to the Royal Academy of Music in England.
She returned to Japan at the age of 22 and made her debut in Japan at the age of 24. As a specialist in Spanish music, she completed the world's first recording of the complete piano works of Spanish composer Federico Mompou.
Her activities are wide-ranging, 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 and has dedicated himself to mentoring younger generations. He resides in Yokohama City.

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]
■ Mari Kumamoto's Evening Gathering Soirée Mari Kumamoto
A Hot Spanish Night: A Tribute to Alicia de Larrocha
Thursday, October 5, 2023, performance starts at 6:30 PM (doors open at 6:00 PM), Tokyo Bunka Kaikan Small Hall.
Inquiries: Pro Arte Musique 03-3943-6677 https://www.proarte.jp/

■ Osaka University of Arts Promenade Concert 2023
・Nagoya performance
Wednesday, August 23, 2023, performance starts at 6:00 PM (doors open at 5:00 PM), Aichi Prefectural Arts Theater Concert Hall.
Osaka performance
August 24, 2023 (Thursday), performance starts at 18:30 (doors open at 17:30), Festival Hall
・Tokyo performance
August 28, 2023 (Monday), 18:00 start (doors open at 17:00), Suntory Hall Main Hall
Reservations and inquiries: Osaka Art Agency 06-6372-4583 (Weekdays 9:00-17:00)