Nine-year-old Murasaki Matsutani of Waterloo, Ont., has achieved second place in two international music competitions and will be performing in a concert dedicated to child prodigy composers. Last fall, the Kitchener-Waterloo Symphony faced bankruptcy, which motivated Matsutani to fundraise for them. Alongside her mother, Matsutani connected with former members of the symphony, including harpist Lori Gemmell, to organize concerts throughout the year. Gemmell came up with the idea for a concert featuring music by child prodigies, with all composers in the lineup having showcased exceptional talent from a young age.
Matsutani will join all 52 members of the KW Symphony under the conductorship of Andrei Feher at a concert titled Young Brilliance on May 11 at St. Matthews Lutheran Church in Kitchener. The concert will feature pieces by renowned child prodigies like Mozart and Sophie Carmen Edkhardt Grammaté. Despite her young age, Matsutani has already proven her skills by competing in international competitions and receiving second place in both instances. A physicist working at the Perimeter Institute in Waterloo, Matsutani’s father noticed her musical talent early on and supported her in pursuing piano and composing, despite neither parent having a musical background.
Last year, Matsutani participated in the Nashville International Chopin Competition at age eight, further solidifying her musical prowess with another second-place finish. The upcoming concert at St. Matthews Lutheran Church will be a collaborative effort between Matsutani and the symphony, requiring a few rehearsals to bring their performance to life. Despite the challenges, the musicians are dedicated to delivering a memorable event for the audience. The church offers a suitable venue for the show, accommodating up to 450 concert-goers, with the opportunity to witness Matsutani’s orchestra debut and experience the harmonious music created by the ensemble.
Members of the KW Symphony have been working tirelessly to stay connected within the community and continue sharing their love of music since the news of the orchestra’s bankruptcy emerged. The concert at St. Matthews Lutheran Church will mark a special occasion as the 52 members reunite after almost a year, a testament to their dedication to keeping music alive in the region. The supportive environment of the church, with its excellent acoustics and space for the performance, sets the stage for an unforgettable evening of music. Matsutani’s excitement for the concert and her ambition to pursue a career in music as a pianist, conductor, and composer signify the beginning of a promising musical journey for the young prodigy.
Despite her young age, Matsutani has proven herself in the international music scene, showcasing her exceptional talent and winning accolades in prestigious competitions. The concert at St. Matthews Lutheran Church will be a significant milestone in her budding career, as she performs alongside the symphony and shares the stage with seasoned musicians. The event represents a collaborative effort to promote the music of child prodigies and celebrate their remarkable achievements at such a young age. With her passion for music and ambitious dreams of becoming a pianist, conductor, and composer, Matsutani is poised to make a lasting impact on the classical music world, inspiring others with her talent and dedication.
