Makoto Takenaka Jazz Piano Concerts
Friday, March 11, 2011 at Ambassador Ishikawa’s Residence
Saturday, March 12, 2011 at Fourth Stage, National Arts Centre
The Embassy of Japan was pleased to host Mr. Makoto Takenaka, world renowned jazz pianist, at both the Ambassador’s Residence on March 11th, and at the National Arts Centre (NAC) 4th Stage on March 12th.
Mr. Takenaka is a wonderfully talented jazz pianist who is currently a faculty member at Roger Williams University in Rhode Island and at the University of Massachusetts in Boston, while activity performing in concerts around the world..
The concerts, which were scheduled well in advance of the earthquake and tsunami that struck Japan on March 11th, were well attended. Both concerts began with a moment of silence to remember those who have passed, and those who are still suffering in Japan.
On Saturday, the NAC Fourth Stage was at capacity as music lovers gathered to enjoy an evening of jazz-fusion style music and to pay respects to the victims of the earthquake in Japan. Mr. Takenaka performed selections from his repertoire of over 1000 pieces: jazz interpretations of Japanese traditional music like “Sakura Sakura” and folk songs such as “Takedano Komoriuta" (Lullaby of Takeda), and classical piano pieces by Chopin, J.S. Bach, Mozart, Beethoven, and Liszt, as well as Russian folk songs and Jazz standards in a fusion style. The audience showed their appreciation at the end of the evening with a standing ovation.
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