Julian Reyes
A variety of performers have contributed to the Pierce College Concert series, but unfortunately like many graduates are learning, the stardom in classical music is scarce. Many graduates continue their dream as solo artists while others become teachers, Pierce College was fortunate to be treated to two performers who are equals in talent but in different stages in their careers.
Ji Young An, violin, with Kanae Matsumoto, piano, performed Thursday afternoon in the Performing Arts Building for over 200 delighted students and members of the community.
The duo played two French composers, Cesar Franck’s, Sonata for Violin and Piano in A major, and Maurice Ravel’s Tzigane. “Those two pieces are very different, Tzigane is more of a free spirit and soul, having a passion about life, while Franck is more sensitive and sophisticated.” said Ji Young.
Jim Bergmen Adjunct Instructor in Music Appreciation and History for Pierce College and the coordinator of the concert series was impressed by the concert. “The performance was great, what I hope is that the students realize that they got a great performance.” said Bergmen. “Both are great individual players but what makes them extra special is how they play well together, and that is not common.”
The duo played a very inspiring fourth movement, Franck’s allegretto poco mosso. The movement was canonic, showing the artists talents not only as individuals but together.
Born in South Korea and raised in Paris, France, Ji Young has performed around the world, in such countries as France, Norway, Italy, and the United Kingdom. Receding in the United States for a mere two years, she was awarded a full scholarship from UCLA where she recently completed her Masters and is currently pursuing her DMA with Guillaume Sutre.
Meanwhile, Pianist Matsumoto, born in Japan, has been a successful soloist and chamber musician for many years. The pianist has also has had the pleasure of performing in festivals like the Third International Conservatoire Week in St. Petersburg, Russia and the Aichi World Expo in Nagoya, Japan, as well as an appearance with the Chamber Music Society of the Los Angeles Philharmonic at the Walt Disney Concert Hall.
Matsumoto a faculty member in UCLA since 2006, completed her Masters program in piano performance at Aichi Prefectural University of Fine Arts and Music in 1994 and latter earned her Master’s and Doctoral degrees from UCLA.
Matsumoto has had the pleasure of working with Ji Young in a teacher-student atmosphere and that has helped them build unity. “We have been playing for two years.” said Kanae. “If you do music, you forget about the teacher-student relationship, it is an equal partnership.”
The Pierce College Concert Series will continue with violinist, Mei Chang, on November the 4th and it will be held in the Performing Arts Building at 12:45 p.m. with admission being free.