Nine-year-old Murasaki Matsutani of Waterloo, Ont., has achieved second place in two international competitions and will be performing in a concert featuring music by child prodigy composers with the Kitchener-Waterloo Symphony. Matsutani was saddened by the news of the symphony’s potential bankruptcy and decided to fundraise for them. She, along with her mom and connections within the symphony, organized a concert titled Young Brilliance, showcasing music by child prodigies.
The concert will feature composers such as Mozart and Sophie Carmen Edkhardt Grammaté, who began their musical careers at a very young age. Matsutani will be playing with all 52 members of the KW Symphony under conductor Andrei Feher at St. Matthews Lutheran Church in Kitchener on May 11. Despite her young age, Matsutani has already competed and won second place in prestigious international competitions, showcasing her exceptional talent and dedication to music.
Matsutani’s parents, who do not have a background in music, noticed her musical talent at a very early age and supported her in pursuing her passion. Despite her lack of formal musical education, Matsutani has excelled in playing the piano and has participated in competitions such as the Jeune Chopin international competition in Switzerland and the Nashville International Chopin Competition. Her upcoming performance with the symphony will be a challenging yet exciting opportunity for her to showcase her skills alongside experienced musicians.
The concert, Young Brilliance, will bring together members of the KW Symphony who have been working hard to stay relevant in the community despite the symphony’s financial struggles. The musicians will have limited rehearsal time to prepare for the show, requiring them to bring their musical performances up to par individually before coming together for group rehearsals. The performance at St. Matthews Lutheran Church will be an opportunity for the musicians to reunite and play great music for their audience in a venue known for its acoustics and intimate atmosphere.
Murasaki Matsutani’s excitement for the upcoming concert is evident, as she looks forward to playing a full concerto in her orchestra debut. Her ambition extends beyond performing, as she hopes to become a pianist, conductor, and composer in the future. Her dedication to music and desire to continue learning and growing as a musician are evident in her participation in composing classes and her eagerness to take on new challenges in her musical journey.
The concert at St. Matthews Lutheran Church will be a significant event for Matsutani, the KW Symphony, and the audience, as they come together to celebrate the music of child prodigy composers. Despite the challenges faced by the symphony and the musicians, their passion for music and commitment to their craft have allowed them to persevere and continue sharing their talents with the community. Matsutani’s talent and determination serve as an inspiration to young musicians and aspiring performers, showcasing the power of music to bring people together and create beautiful experiences for audiences of all ages.
