Interview with Magcal Ambassador Mari Kumamoto about Kanagawa's culture and "night 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 who is well versed in Spanish music, was raised in Yokohama and currently 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.

Appearances range from elementary school students to people in their 70s! Watch the “Fujisawa Citizen Musical” that is rooted in the area

As a Magcal Ambassador, Mari supports activities that connect people through the appeal of culture and art. On March 12th, he attended the "Kanagawa Musical Awards 2023" award ceremony. We solicited original works with regional characteristics based on legends and folklore from within the prefecture, and selected two outstanding organizations through a preliminary screening. As one of the judges, I congratulated him on this honor.

“Kanagawa Musical Awards 2023” Award Ceremony

--This year, seven organizations entered and the top two received awards.

Kumamoto: Thank you to everyone who applied. Congratulations to everyone in the award-winning "Fujisawa Citizen Musical" and "Yokohama Citizen Children's Musical." I saw all of the productions, and all of the scripts were wonderful, with a rich regional flavor and story-telling. The two top performing groups were impressive in that their performers were lively and powerful.

“Fujisawa Citizen Musical” won first place at “Kanagawa Musical Awards 2023”

``Yokohama Citizen Children's Musical'' where elementary school to high school students gather for easy-going instruction.

--On the day of the award ceremony, there was also a performance of "Fujisawa Citizen Musical," which won first place.

Kumamoto: Group activities that bring together different generations, from elementary school students to people in their 70s, are great. The music, stage lighting, and use of the stage were carefully considered, making it worth watching. Well, at the award ceremony, I suggested, ``Next time, why not try collaborating with live music?''

“Kanagawa Musical Awards 2023” Award Ceremony

--It's a challenge to perform live in a musical.

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

[Kanagawa Prefecture Official] “Kanagawa Musical Awards 2023” special homepage

"Believing 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 "Nenrin Pick Kanagawa 2022" held in November last year.

I sent a song called ``Tsurugi no Mai'' and a message to the Kumamoto Sports Festival to give a pianist's cheer. The song is also chosen as BGM for foot races and relays, so I think it conveys a sense of dynamism. The power that the piano has is amazing, so I put my thoughts into the power that music has.

--Speaking of performances, the "Soirée Mari Kumamoto" that Mari holds every fall is approaching. Are any new plans in progress?

This year's 10th Kumamoto event will be held on October 5th at Tokyo Bunka Kaikan. At the concert, we perform popular songs and songs that follow a theme, but this time we will focus on the Spanish musician Alicia de Larrocha, who is celebrating her 100th birthday. One of the leading pianists of the 20th century, she is an attractive woman who boasts a long career spanning approximately 70 years since her childhood.

Kumamoto: At last year's dinner party, I was moved by hearing customers say, "Bravo!" Pianists are lonely until concerts, so I was very happy to be able to perform on a sunny day. For this concert as well, I put the audience's thoughts first when selecting music, and if it matches what I want to play, I'm happy. I hope it resonates with everyone who listens to it.

Mari Kumamoto in a chic and gorgeous dress

You can become a pianist even if you have small hands! I want to send a message from my experience

Mari has been working as a professor at Osaka University of Arts since 2008, where she also strives to train the next generation. We provide flexible guidance to each student who has different goals, such as winning a competition, being a mentor, or just improving.

--Is there anything you are conscious of when teaching?

Kumamoto: The important thing when playing the piano is to know your weaknesses and charm points. For example, everyone has different hands, and mine is very small... One of my instructors once told me that I would never be able to become a professional pianist. However, another instructor told me that it would be a good idea to do a massage in the bath, so I gave it a try. Some piano pieces are suitable for people with small hands, so I think it's important to know and develop your individuality.

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

Kumamoto: Yes, you can't use the same method for students. At the music school I attended in Spain, there are no age restrictions for instruction. Just as each person's goals are different, we give top priority to each person's individuality in our guidance. I think that kind of attitude is also important.

Kumamoto: I think "Latin music" is appropriate for piano education. I feel that sensibility is fostered by emphasizing emotional expression rather than fingering instructions.

--When I think of Spanish music, I get a strong impression of guitar and flamenco.

Kumamoto: There are many excellent piano pieces. The contrast is clear and it's easy to imagine, and the melody is Japanese-style. Alicia de Larrocha, who will be introduced at this year's party, is also amazing, so please keep an eye out for her.

--Spanish music for piano education! What style would you like to proceed with?

Kumamoto: I previously participated in a volunteer activity called ``Piano Clinic'' in Tohoku. I would like to give public lessons as a pianist in a similar way to my experience at that time. If everyone from children to adults can participate freely, I think we will be able to give lectures on why people are not playing the way they want and how to play well. Don't miss out on Magcal Ambassador activities! We would like to make the Kanagawa Prefecture Main Government Building, which has great historical value, the venue.

March 2018 (Heisei 30) “Love Contact Piano Concert” (Location: Prefectural Youth Center)

【profile】
Mari Kumamoto
Pianist/Kanagawa Prefecture Magcal Ambassador

Born in Tokyo. He started playing the piano at the age of 5 and moved to Spain with his family at the age of 10.
The following year, he entered the Royal Madrid Conservatory of Music in Spain, the Juilliard School of Music at the age of 17, and the Royal Academy of Music at the age of 20.
He returned to Japan at the age of 22 and made his debut in Japan at the age of 24. He became the world's first Spanish music specialist to complete the recording of the complete piano works of Spanish composer Federico Mompou.
There are many opportunities for him to play an active role, such as being a judge for international piano competitions, appearing on TV and radio, and writing.
In 2008, he became a professor at Osaka University of Arts, where he continues to work hard to teach younger generations. Lives 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]
■Kumamoto Mari Soiree Soirée Mari Kumamoto
A hot night in Spain - a tribute to Alicia de Larrocha
October 5, 2023 (Thursday) 18:30 start (doors open at 18:00) 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 18:00 start (doors open at 17:00) Aichi Prefectural Arts Theater Concert Hall
・Osaka performance
Thursday, August 24, 2023 18:30 start (doors open at 17:30) Festival Hall
・Tokyo performance
Monday, August 28, 2023 18:00 start (doors open at 17:00) Suntory Hall Large Hall
Reservations/Inquiries: Osaka Art Agency 06-6372-4583 (Weekdays 9:00-17:00)