Before his
debut with Sarasota Orchestra at this week's Masterworks performances, phenomenal pianist Nobuyuki Tsujii graciously took time to share his thoughts on meeting a new orchestra, music as a universal communicator, his favorite aspects of being a globe-trotting concert musician, and more.
Q: What will be your approach to working with Maestro Peter Oundjian and Sarasota Orchestra? Is it more challenging to perform with a conductor and orchestra that are totally new, or does it all fit together with carefully scheduled rehearsal time and a well-studied
score?
A: I'm really looking forward to performing with both Maestro Oundjian and Sarasota Orchestra for the first time. Rehearsals are very important and, of course, it is only natural to go to rehearsals well practiced. At the first rehearsal, I will try to get to know the conductor and the orchestra through the sounds being played. However, there is no special preparation just because it is the first conductor or orchestra I am performing with. I make no distinction whether it is my first or tenth time performing with a conductor and orchestra.
Q: As a blind musician, how do you connect with the conductor in performance? A: I always play while feeling the breath of the conductor and orchestra.
Q: People often say music is a “universal language.” Do you agree? A: It is a “universal language.” Through our performances, we can deliver and share a wide range of emotions with our audience. I think this goes
beyond language.
Q: Who is a pianist you strongly admire, and why? A: Maestro Vladimir Ashkenazy. I had the privilege of performing with Mr. Ashkenazy on many occasions. Before and after rehearsals with the orchestra, I could hear him practicing the piano in his dressing room. He really devoted his whole life to music. I respect him very much.
Q: Do you have a special pre-concert ritual or warmup routine? A: There are no special rituals, but I work backwards in time from the concert to prepare for a good performance.
Q: What is your favorite part about traveling the world as a concert pianist? A: It is being able to perform in
many different concert halls. To connect with audiences from all over the world through music. To be able to experience delicious food and drinks from all over the world.
Masterworks 4: A Romantic Affair Peter Oundjian, conductor Nobuyuki Tsujii, piano RACHMANINOFF Piano Concerto No. 2 BRAHMS Symphony No. 1
Thursday, February 2 | 7:30 pm | Neel PAC Friday, February 3 | 7:30 pm | Van Wezel Saturday, February 4 | 7:30 pm | Van Wezel Sunday, February 5 | 2:30 pm | Van Wezel
The Music That Changed My Life Principal Bassist John Miller's Story
It was Brahms' Symphony No. 1 that did it.
I’d always known I wanted to be a musician since my early days playing bass guitar with a band in high school. But it was at a summer music festival playing double bass during college, during a rehearsal for Brahms Symphony No. 1, that I found myself just…overwhelmed by it. That was the moment I realized what I wanted to do with the rest of my life. I wanted to play double bass in an orchestra.
Now I have completed 28 seasons with Sarasota Orchestra – half of my life!
See John lead Sarasota Orchestra's bass section in Brahms' First Symphony at this week's Masterworks concerts!
