Mayako Tsukagoshi is a young marimba player who won the Paris International Marimba Competition in 2006. This concert at Hakuju Hall featured an ambitious program including 1 Japanese premiere and 1 world premiere. (It was a little heavy for me, as I was somewhat tired.) The world premiere in particular was a chamber work commissioned from Yuzo Toyama. (The piece itself suddenly became jazz-like partway through, which soothed me in my worn-down state from daily stress. Perhaps that was especially because the program as a whole consisted of contemporary works. But it was short!) I think it is very good for more works like this to be created.
It was my first visit to Hakuju Hall, and it is a hall with exceptionally good sound. Perhaps because it is run by the Hakuju Institute for Health Science, the white, mitochondria-like motif was curious, but acoustically the space was truly comfortable. Being able to drink Champagne during the intermission is also nice. Another innovative feature, though it was not used that day, is that the seats can be turned into reclining seats. There also seems to be a reception space for after concerts. It is perfect for sophisticated leisure. They understand what a concert should be. Who was it that said, “Music is about relaxing people; that is all”? Having felt rather tired lately, I completely agree.
Mayako Tsukagoshi Marimba Solo Recital
2007-03-04 (Sunday), concert begins at 13:30
◆Venue: Hakuju Hall (5 minutes on foot from Yoyogi-Hachiman Station on the Odakyu Line or Yoyogi-koen Station on the Chiyoda Line)
◆Performer: Mayako Tsukagoshi
◆Program:
Mark Ford / Kingdom Lore Fanfare (Japanese premiere)
Yoko Oba / Yumehotaru—for solo marimba
Keiko Abe / Itsuki Fantasy for Six Mallets
Anna Ignatowicz / Toccata
Leigh Howard Stevens / Rhythmic Caprice
Yuzo Toyama / Concerto da Camera for Marimba and Chamber Orchestra (commissioned work; world premiere)
Michael Burritt / Caritas
◆Tickets: ¥3,000 (unreserved seating)
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