Mozart Flute and Harp Concerto in SOSL Concert
Sri Lankan music lovers will be in for a unique treat when the
Symphony Orchestra of Sri Lanka performs Mozart’s Concerto for Flute and
Harp at its Premieres Concert on October 18.
The concerto is the only piece of music Mozart wrote that contains
the harp. He wrote it in 1778 during his sojourn in Paris, for the
flautist Duke of Guines and his harpist daughter who was taking
composition lessons from Mozart.
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Kimihiko Akiyama |
It has a distinctly French style, with a magically interwoven fabric
of sound which utilises both instruments to their fullest - a winning
combination, as the flute and the harp were perennial favourites of the
French, both supremely sensual in sound, pure-toned and penetrating. The
Concerto overflows with immensely attractive melodies and wonderful
dialogue between the harp and flute.
The second movement is one of Mozart’s most loved slow movements. The
division of the viola part and the absence of the orchestral wind
instruments create a unique colour, which adds to the ethereal quality
of the sweeping melodic line of the main theme. The last movement, a
delightful Rondeau, full of lively melodies and bright rhythms, creates
a fitting farewell to this charming work.
The programme will also feature Beethoven’s dramatic Fifth Symphony,
one of the greatest and most popular of all masterworks; and a
‘kinetically exciting’ Japanese piece, ‘Rhapsody for Orchestra’ by Yuzo
Toyoma.
The concert will present three guest artistes from Japan, each a
master musician in his own field. Kimihiko Akiyama, a renowned Japanese
Flautist will combine with Mayumi Mori, a Harpist of fine repute, in the
Mozart. Keiko Kobayashi will be the Guest Conductor of the Premieres
Concert.
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Mayumi Mori |
Keiko Kobayashi, born in Tokyo, graduated from the Music Department
of the Faculty of Education at the University of Yamanashi and obtained
her Master’s degree in conducting at the Senzoku Gakuen College of Music
in Tokyo. In 2007, she received the First Prize at the Mid Europe
International Conducting Masterclass.
She has studied conducting under the world famous, Seiji Ozawa and
other renowned Japanese conductors. Since her debut, she has conducted
the Tokyo Philharmonic Orchestra (TPO), the Nagoya Philharmonic
Orchestra and the Siena Wind Orchestra, amongst others
In 2007, Ms.Kobayashi came to Sri Lanka to prepare the SOSL musicians
for their landmark participation in the Asia Orchestral week concerts in
Tokyo. She is credited with playing a major role in improving SOSL
performance standards for those concerts.
As players said: “She has a fine conducting technique… established a
rapport with the players by her charming personality and commitment….
she knows what she wants and how to get it….all could feel the
improvement in performance”. Needless to say, SOSL is eagerly looking
forward to playing under Ms.Kobayashi on October 18.
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Keiko Kobayashi |
Kimihiko Akiyama, Flautist, graduated from the Tokyo College of Music
in 1984 and has studied at the Bach Academy of Japan and at the
International Music Academy in France.
As a member of the Saito Kinen Orchestra and the Mito Chamber
orchestra with Seiji Ozawa, he has performed in over twenty five cities
including their European, American and Chinese tours, and guest
performances at the Vienna Festival week, the Florence Festival, and
Carnegie Hall. Philips and Sony Classical Music have released 7 CDs of
his music.
Mayumi Mori, Harpist, is a graduate of the Senzoku Gakuen College of
Music and made her debut through the Nippon Harp Association. She has
performed in many orchestras and concert bands including the Tokyo Kosei
Wind Orchestra. As a freelancer she performs solo events, and is a
highly regarded and much sought after musician.
The concert at Ladies’ College on Saturday October 18 begins at 7pm. |
