Japanese Violinist Lina Matsuda Performs in A Night of Classical Music
Classical music enthusiasts were served with an evening of harmonious music courtesy of the well-known Japanese Violinist Lina Matsuda, who performed timeless pieces in a mini violin recital at Shangri-la Plaza last July 22.
Japanese Violinist Lina Matsuda and her assisting artist for the night Filipina pianist April Merced-Misa at Steinway Boutique Manila
Accompanied by Filipina pianist April Merced-Misa, Matsuda pulled off an enchanting musical stunt as she played five classical compositions using her Stradivarius violin for the first time in the Philippines.
Matsuda and Misa started the recital with three of Fritz Kreisler pieces such as Prelude and Allegro, followed by Tempo di menuetto and Schoen Rosmarin. They also played Gerald Finzi’s Elegy (Op.22), a notable piece dubbed as a sad song; and Matsuda’s most important piece, the Chaconne by Tomaso Antonio Vitali.
Lina Matsuda explaining the musical pieces she is set to play in her mini recital
Each composition was gracefully executed with refined movements and striking rhythmic notes felt through the vibrations flowing from Matsuda’s violin.
Gracing the recital is Madame Ihoko Haneda, wife of Japanese Ambassador Koji Haneda, and Japan Foundation Manila Director Hiroaki Uesugi.
Present in the recital is Madame Ihoko Haneda, wife of Japanese Ambassador Koji Haneda
Hailing from Japan, Matsuda graduated from The Music High School attached to Tokyo University of Fine Arts and Music, then completed her soloist diploma course at Toho Gakuen School of Music. She graduated first in her class both in college in 2007 and graduate school in 2010 at the Nuremberg University of Music in Germany.
Matsuda has a long list of awards and recognition from various music award-giving bodies in Japan and has also performed with many leading conductors and orchestras around Asia, including Vietnam Symphony Orchestra.
On the other hand, April Merced-Misa is an award-winning pianist born and raised in Cotabato City. She trained solely in the Philippines with the country’s best mentors, which earned her full scholarships at the Philippine High School for the Arts and the University of the Philippines College of Music.
(L-R) Pianist April Merced-Misa and Violinist Lina Matsuda
The mini violin recital was brought by BDO Nomura President Mr. Koichi Katakawa and presented by Steinway Boutique Manila.
Written by Deneca Ordinanza
