October 3, 2024
On Sunday afternoon, September 22nd, acclaimed violinist Sandy Yamamoto and an ensemble of distinguished musicians delivered an unforgettable performance to a full house. The concert, titled Sandy Yamamoto and Friends, is a special chamber music performance led by Sandy Yamamoto, an accomplished violinist and professor at the Butler School of Music. In this concert series, Yamamoto collaborates with other talented musicians, including faculty members and renowned guests, to perform a variety of contrasting repertoire. The program featured Brahms’s String Sextet No. 1 in B-flat Major, Op. 18 and Franck’s Piano Quintet in F minor, both of which showcase intricate harmonic and rhythmic contrasts.
Selina Xu: What inspired you to initiate the Sandy and Friends concert series?
Yamamoto: When I was younger and a student, I had the opportunity to play with my mentors and teachers. It was such an incredible experience; I learned so much just from playing with them. I really want to provide the same experience for the students here, and it’s also an amazing treat for us because we get to see our students shine in a way that’s different from when they’re playing alone in their lessons and concerts. Overall, it’s just a wonderful experience to share music with them!
Sandy Yamamoto performing on September 22
Selina Xu: How do you feel about performing with your professors? And what have you learned from the programs?
Thomas Gougeon (violinist and violist): It’s been such an honor to play with such amazing artists, including Prof. Nel and Prof. Yamamoto. They are the inspiring chamber musicians I look up to, and they embody the goals I pursue for chamber music. I’m very grateful for this opportunity that Butler and Prof. Yamamoto have provided for us!
Katsuaki Arakawa (cellist): It was certainly nerve-wracking! But it was also a tremendous learning experience just by playing alongside Prof. Tsang and the other professors, who have so many musical ideas. It’s very clear what they want from you when you’re sitting next to them. I felt that I gained a better understanding of how to express the music, but I also realized I needed to be more secure because I was responsible for the bass line in the sextet. If I’m not confident in my own sound, everything can fall apart.
The Sandy Yamamoto and Friends concert is part of the Butler School of Music’s ongoing commitment to presenting high-level performances that engage and inspire both the community and the wider public. Prof. Yamamoto continues to share her passion for music along with her philosophy of performance and education.