Aya Kiyonaga: Music is a Way to Communicate

Prior to Aya Kiyonaga’s Casa Classic performance on Thursday, October 6, we asked the musician a few questions about playing the violin and about being part of a classical music performance. Read below to learn about why she believes music is so essential to the human experience.

Why do you prefer playing the violin to create your music (rather than another instrument)?

For me, playing a musical instrument is simply a tool for communication. My motivation for performing is as a reaction to our collective life experience. There is no single person who can master a perfect philosophy or who can enrich life by themselves. I find this simple fact, that we live and grow together, is actually one of the most beautiful parts about being human. I transmit the enthusiasm of my audience into the music that I play.

The instrument I choose to communicate with is not very important – if I were good at piano, I might have played it instead of the violin. However, I am best at the violin because I started playing when I was just 5 years old!

Because I have spent so much time with the violin, I greatly appreciate the beauty of the instrument – its warm wooden sound, its wide range, its high sensitivity to both the player and the audience…. and it is pretty to look at, too 🙂

Do you have a favorite era that you like to play compositions from?

I enjoy performing pieces from a wide range of musical eras. I play compositions from the Renaissance up to the contemporary period.

Why is it important to share classical music with one’s community? What would you like readers to know about experiencing a classical music performance?

No two classical music performances are the same. For instance, the performance varies depending on where the music is performed, and how people feel the music. As a performer, I experience so many different reactions from the audience each time that I perform. Those reactions cultivate and deepen my own understanding of the music.

I always learn something new from you, the audience. This reminds me of the fact that we influence each other. I believe that classical music is deeply informed by this aspect of communication.

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Aya will perform a selection of classic and contemporary works for the violin and will be accompanied by pianist Mitsuko Morikawa.

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Casa Classic: Aya Kiyonaga
Thursday, October 6, 2016 | 7:00 PM
$25 general admission | $20 member admission
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