Friends of the National Arts Centre event, Music to Dine For, at Ambassador Ishikawa’s Residence
On February 22, 2011, Ambassador Ishikawa was pleased to host this year’s Music To Dine For event at his Residence. The Ambassador spoke of the importance of supporting the arts as a means of cultural growth. He also cited the recent Grammy Award wins by four Japanese artists, in particular, Madame Mitsuko Uchida, a world-renowned pianist.
The event was supported by Friends of the National Arts Centre Orchestra, with proceeds going towards their education program for Ottawa’s young aspiring musicians.
Pianist Emil Azuma Prikryl performed a short programme consisting of works by Debussy, Ravel, and Liszt. Emil is currently in the final year of his Bachelor of Music in Piano Performance program at the University of Toronto. Mr. Prikryl is emerging as a talented Canadian pianist. In 2008 he placed 2nd in the National Final of the Canadian Music Competition in Quebec City. Coincidentally, Mr. Prikyl’s mother is Japanese and a Japanese language teacher at Carleton University.
Mr. Prikyl’s beautiful performance greatly impressed the Ambassador and his guests who enjoyed the evening of fine music and dining in honour of a worthy-cause.
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