Expression in violin performance: innovations in the late 19th century

By Ray Iwazumi, internationally respected violinist and musicological scholar

Friends of UTokyo is pleased to announce a presentation by Dr. Ray Iwazumi, internationally respected violinist and musicological scholar and faculty member at the Juilliard School. The lecture, “Expression in violin performance: innovations in the late 19th century” will be presented for music enthusiasts as well as aspiring young violinists/musicians. The lecture is a reflection of Ray’s multi-faceted career as a violinist, composer, lecturer, writer, editor and teacher, and presents his latest research into violin virtuoso music of the late 19th century. Along with demonstrations, this will be an evening of fun, pleasure and inspiration.

Young aspiring musicians are specially encouraged to attend. Q and A session will be provided at the end.

Ray is a long-standing member of the New York UTokyo alumni community, as his father received a degree in engineering in 1960 from the University of Tokyo.


Date/Time: Thursday, May 11, 2017, 6:30pm – 8:00pm
(Room will be open for registration and networking at 6:00pm)

Venue: UTokyo New York Office, 145 W.57th St., 21st Fl., New York, NY 10019

Lecturer: Dr. Ray Iwazumi, The Juilliard School

Theme: “Expression in violin performance: innovations in the late 19th century”

Language: Lecture will be given in English.

Fees: $20 (General), $10 (for those under 18 years old)
Soft drinks and appetizers will be provided.

Co-sponsor: Friends of UTokyo, Inc.

Photos: Photos taken during the lecture may be used in FUTI’s online and offline publications. Please inform the organizer prior to the lecture if you do not wish to be included in the photos.

RSVP: Required. Please register below by Thursday, May 4. Space availability is limited. Early registration is encouraged.

RAY IWAZUMI BIOGRAPHY

Dr. Ray Iwazumi pursues a career that is highly unusual with its intense combination of virtuosity, scholarship, research, and performance. In particular, his in-depth research on Eugène Ysaÿe’s Six Sonates pour violon seul, Op. 27 has brought forth significant findings on these landmark masterworks, and his concerts and CD of these works have been critically acclaimed. He also shares his leading expertise of this repertoire through lectures and lecture-performances and has written several articles on the subject, featured in The Strad, MLA Notes, and a multi-year monthly series in the Japanese journal String. In particular, the article series in String includes a close examination of the extant rare materials of the Ysaÿe solo sonatas, and is currently the largest and most comprehensive analysis and guide, in any language, for the Ysaÿe solo sonatas.

Ray has also presented his research through featured lectures and presentations at institutions such as the Brussels Royal Conservatory (Brussels, Belgium), CAMeC (La Spezia, Italy), Orpheus Institute (Ghent, Belgium), The Juilliard School (New York, USA), and Yamaha Ginza (Tokyo, Japan). He is on faculty at The Juilliard School, and is currently in charge of the Violin Department Seminar.

Ray has cataloged the rare materials and manuscripts in the Louis Persinger Collection, Viola Mitchell Collection, and Jeannette Ysaÿe Collection at The Juilliard School. Recent research includes work toward an understanding of Ysaÿe’s legacy as transmitted through his disciples, notably, Louis Persinger, Viola Mitchell, and Jeannette Dincin Ysaÿe. He is also active as an editor of critical editions, and has edited the Urtext edition of Wieniawski’s Scherzo-Tarantella, Op. 16 and Vieuxtemps’ Violin Concerto No. 5 in A minor, Op. 37 for G. Henle Verlag.

Ray Iwazumi’s artistic dedication finds expression in his multi-faceted career. As a violinist, he performs regularly in the U.S.A., Europe, and Japan, and as a composer, has been showcased in noted series such as the Beyond the Machine festivals at Lincoln Center and the Music In Style series in Japan.

Recent concerts include a recital in Tokyo collaborating with pianist, Akira Eguchi, a series performing the complete Beethoven Violin Sonatas in Osaka, and a feature as guest soloist alongside flutist, Seiya Ueno, in Kyoto at the Kyoto National Museum for a concert celebrating the 120th anniversary of the museum.

website: http://www.rayiwazumi.com