Masterclass with Kazuhito Yamashita and Keiko Fujiie

It was a wonderful two day workshop with legendary guitarist Kazuhito Yamashita, composer Keiko Fujiie, and their daughter Kanahi. It was a personal honour for me to run the class as Kazuhito Yamashita has long been one of my most inspirational and respected musicians. The chance to interact with the Yamashita family both socially and in the workshop was truly a gift.

As Kazuhito explained, despite the many festivals he attends annually, he almost never gives a masterclass. We all felt honoured to have had the chance to learn from him and from Keiko who is a wonderful teacher and composer. We are also very grateful to Gary Karr and Harmon Lewis who put me in contact with the Yamashita family and encouraged the class since they were here recording together.

The first day was a masterclass where each student played a movement from a Bach cello suite. The second day was a reading of three ensemble works written by Keiko Fujiie where Kazuhito and his daughter Kanahi Yamashita played with the group. The style of teaching was one of intense listening skill and care toward the music. The ensemble project was a look into Japanese traditional music as well as the compositions of Keiko Fujiie.

Here’s the programme.

Classical Guitar Workshop with
Kazuhito Yamashita & Keiko Fujiie
June 19-20, 2013, 3:00pm, Wood Hall, Victoria Conservatory of Music

June 19th
Cello Suite No. 1, BWV 1007 (orig. G Major)
J.S. Bach (1685-1750)
Prelude – Scott
Allemande – Sofia
Courante – Simon
Sarabande – Troy
Menuet I & II – Marvin
Gigue – Brian

June 20th: Ensemble Project (music by Keiko Fujiie)
Sofia, Simon, Troy, Marvin, Brian
+ special guest: Kanahi Yamashita

Special thanks to: Gary Karr, Harmon Lewis,