fuzjko hemming

(blazer: Alexander Wang; blouse; hand-me-down; shorts: 

Urban Outfitters; heels: H&M; clutch: Michael Kors)

Photos from Sunday evening at the Palace of Fine Arts for Fuzjko Hemming's piano recital.

I was in awe of both the beautiful architecture of the building and the beauty in which she played her music. Her 2-hour program consisted of Chopin and Liszt etudes, Mussorgsky's "Pictures at an Exhibition," and 2 pieces by Debussy. Loved every single minute of her performance. The illustration on the program is by her (it looks better in color!).

I was really excited to finally wear the frilled blouse with the pale pink shorts & blazer. One of my cousins in Japan had given me the blouse because she didn't want it anymore. I wasn't sure what to wear with it at first until I found the shorts at the bottom of my drawer, which I had never worn before either. I need to make it a point to wear what I have...!

Anyways, have a good week everyone! 

Love,

Samantha Mariko

classical

After graduating with my degree in piano performance, I find myself practicing less, but still making the best of my practice time. It really does feel different when you don't have to practice for lessons, masterclasses, or recitals. But I'm starting to think that this might actually be good for me, to be able to work at my own pace and practice pieces that I wish to play. I decided to bring back a couple of Chopin etudes back into my repertoire, since I neglected them in order to pursue Scriabin etudes (I love playing these and still am). Can't forget the Well-Tempered Klavier by Bach. I play other pieces here and there and still deciding on a sonata..

On a different note, I hope make it to Fuzjko Hemming's piano recital in San Francisco on July 15th.

I've seen her in recital twice, and her interpretations and playing are both quite unique. 

I really don't want to miss it!

Hope everyone has a lovely weekend. xoxo

Love,

Samantha Mariko

my senior recital

(photos taken by Gabe)

The Program:

Sonata in a minor, D. 784…………………..Franz Schubert

                                                                      (1797-1828)

I.                   Allegro giusto

II.                Andante

III.             Allegro vivace

3 Etudes, Op. 42 ……………………….Alexandre Scriabin

                                                                          (1872-1915)

      No. 4 in F# - Andante

      No. 8 in E –flat - Allegro

      No. 5 in c # minor - Affannato

  

Klavierstücke, Op. 119……………….... Johannes Brahms

                                                                           (1833-1897)

I.                    Intermezzo in b minor – Adagio

II.                 Intermezzo in  in e minor - Andantino un poco agitato - Andantino grazioso

III.               Intermezzo in C – Grazioso e giocoso

IV.              Rhapsody in E-flat – Allegro risoluto

Rain Tree Sketch II

(in memory of Olivier Messiaen) ……..…Toru Takemitsu

                                                                                                       (1930-1996)　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　

Scherzo No. 3, Op. 39…………………….Frédéric Chopin

                                                                        (1810-1849)

My program was bigger and longer than I thought it would be. Now that I'm done with my final recital of my college career, it does feel very weird. But I am still relieved that I am finished. 

I would like to thank all of my friends, family and colleagues that came to support me at this important moment in my life. It is hard to put in words how much I appreciated it. Thank you to Jontynise Smith for doing a gorgeous job with my hair. And thank you to those of you who could not make it but wished me luck! 

And one more picture.. this is too cute that I have to put it up here :)

My youngest audience member! She is so adorable.

Love,

Samantha Mariko