Ie classical music artists perform to bring generations together
February 17, 2013 Yukito Kinjo Correspondent of Ryukyu Shimpo
On February 10, at the Rural Environment Improvement Center Hall in Ie, 63 year-old Yoshikazu Gima, who is from Ie, his daughter and grandchildren held a charity concert to mark the 45th anniversary of Gima’s career in classical music.
They wanted to bring generations together for a music performance while 92 year-old Yoshiharu Gima, father of Yoshikazu, still enjoys good health.
Nineteen years ago Yoshikazu also held a charity concert at home with his children and grandchildren. About 400 people attended the latest concert, with the family giving 14 performances, including creative dance and a solo performance by Yoshikazu. His eldest daughter, Itsumi Iji, who resides in Kagoshima Prefecture, and her two daughters, eleven year-old Nanako, and nine year-old Natsuki, also performed.
Yoshikazu’s wife Setsuko and second daughter Kazusa danced to his Uta Sanshin performance. Yoshiharu, his son and grandchildren, great-grandchildren performed Inoha Bushi, which made the audience go quiet until the end when the performers drew considerable applause.
Yoshikazu taught his two grandchildren classical music by communicating with them through a cell phone. The eldest grandchild won the golden award in the Nomuraryu Classical Music Preservation Association Contest and the second grandchild won the silver award.
The great-grandchildren sent messages to their grandfather and great-grandfather, saying things like, “I want to win the grand prix crown,” “I want to try various things.” Yoshikazu said, “I am really grateful that we held this concert to bring generations together. I want to continue to devote myself to classical music.”
Part of the money raised through ticket sales, that is 300000 yen, was donated to the Ie Human Resources Development Association.
(English translation by T&CT, Mark Ealey)
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