I have been to the concert halls to listen to her violin performances many a time so far in Japan for more than ten years. As for this combination below, please refer to my Japanese blogs (http://d.hatena.ne.jp/itunalily/20111018)(http://d.hatena.ne.jp/itunalily/20111130). (Lily)
(http://www.instantencore.com/buzz/item.aspx?FeedEntryId=161417)
Interview with Sayaka Shoji
SSO On Tour
In March this year, 28-year-old Japanese violinist Sayaka Shoji made her Australian debut with the Sydney Symphony at the Sydney Opera House under the baton of Vladimir Ashkenazy. On the evening of her final performance with the orchestra, she learned only moments before going on stage that an earthquake had hit Japan. Without being able to get in contact with her family, she walked onto the Opera House stage and performed the Mendelssohn violin concerto.
“I couldn’t get a flight home from Sydney for two days after the earthquake hit,” says Sayaka. “My parents were alright as they weren’t near the earthquake zone but everyone was worried about aftershocks. When I arrived into Tokyo, the place was a like a ghost town. There was no-one on the highways from the airport to the centre of town. It was really scary. People were staying indoors and of course tourists cancelled their visits. It was all very weird. There was very little electricity, water and food and the telephone lines were constantly jammed.
“I had been scheduled that week to perform across Japan with the Czech Philharmonic but of course those concerts were cancelled. I myself tried to put together a concert in aid of the Japanese people but I was told that people were reluctant to go outside and congregate in a hall so soon after the earthquake due to the fear of aftershocks.
“The earthquake and tsunami made me and many Japanese people think a lot about our life. That every moment is precious. That family and friends are the most important things in life.”
Sayaka is truly an international musician. Born in Tokyo, she moved to Italy at the age of three so her mum could study fine arts. It was in Italy where she fell in love with music and, when her family moved back to Japan two years later, she took up the violin. At the age of 15 she moved to Germany to further her studies and six years ago moved to Paris, now her home. Although she admits that her touring schedule is so gruelling that “last month I was in Paris for only a few days.”
On the Japan leg of the Sydney Symphony’s tour, Sayaka is performing the Beethoven Violin Concerto in Tokyo, Nagoya and Nishinomiya.
“I get a very positive energy from the Sydney Symphony and Mr Ashkenazy. They are very passionate about music.”
When asked what Sayaka likes about the Beethoven Violin Concerto she simply says “everything!”
“The notes are simple but somehow it gives a lot,” she says. “The concerto has so much to say. The more I play it, the more I feel a sense of discovery in the music. It’s pure joy.
“The music to me is about a strength to overcome something. To live. It has an extremely noble feeling to it and dignity.”
Much like the Japanese people and the strength they have displayed in overcoming the disasters that struck their country earlier this year?
“Yes”, she say. “Exactly. I think music has the power to give us all strength.”
（End）
