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Outreach2023.12.23

Professor Hiromitsu Miyata participated in a Christmas concert hosted by music therapist Ms. Kiyoko Maeda.

Continuing from last year, a Christmas music concert organized by music therapist Ms. Kiyoko Maeda took place on December 23, 2023, at the hall of the Ginza Lion 7-chome store. Despite having engaged in activities for over 30 years with fellow musicians, they faced a hiatus of several years due to the COVID-19 pandemic.


Celebrating her 80th birthday this year, the violinist Ms. Miyoko Sato exhibited her unwavering and powerful performance, playing "Zigeunerweisen" accompanied by the piano. Although experiencing a decline in cognitive functions including memory deficits, Ms. Sato, who had previously performed on some of the world's most prestigious stages, continues her performance and recording activities with dedicated support of her musical companions.


Ms. Maeda's music sessions are characterized by highly improvisational music, often requiring performers to assume sudden roles. On this particular day, I participated by having my recorders with me, and contributed to the melodies of several songs including "We Wish You a Merry Christmas," "Ode to Joy," and "Omoide no Album (Album of Memories)."


During the evening's social gathering part, I also had the opportunity to perform a solo of "Le Rossignol en Amour" composed by François Couperin on the sopranino recorder.


Music and embodiment are closely related to each other, especially in wind instrument performance, which  significantly overlaps with techniques found in practices such as yoga and breathing techniques. While loud music tends to dominate today's music spaces, recognizing the beauty in soft and simple sounds, which require attentive listening, is equally important. The hall at Ginza Lion resembles a small church-like venue, fitting perfectly for chamber music performances.


I hope that these occasions should lead to future chances for creating new experiences that have not been previously explored. 

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Hiromitsu Miyata
Hiromitsu Miyata

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