Review in The Forres Gazette by Paula Nichols
“World-class Japanese musicians in charity event, Findhorn”
Two exceptional classical soloists joined forces to present a benefit concert at the Universal Hall Arts Centre Findhorn on Wed 21st September, raising hundreds of pounds for the disaster relief charity in Japan following the devastating tsunami that struck in March this year.
Mami Shikimori, piano, has played with Japan’s leading orchestra the Kyushu Symphony at many famous concert halls across the world. The diminutive Ms. Shikimori is quite simply electrifying to watch and listen to, the contrast between her immense modesty and grace on stage and the sinewy strength of her playing reveals itself in a sort of understated passion, a dazzling revelation that goes as fast as it came, leaving you doubting your owns ears.
Masayuki Kino is the leading soloist in the Japan Philharmonic Orchestra, with many top prizes to his name. He plays a 1776 Lorenzo Storioni violin and the gleaming instrument is matched by his extraordinary lightness of touch and flourishing playing.
The pair had agreed to visit Findhorn on a detour on route to Lerwick in Shetland, as part of their European tour raising funds for disaster relief. These performers would be at home in the Royal Albert or Carnegie Hall. To be able to hear such a pair in the relative intimacy of the Universal Hall on an Autumn Wednesday is a rare privilege for local classical music lovers.