IBLA February, 2004 - Queen's University

Japanese Prize-Winner Performs at Queen's University

The conclusion of the recital of young Japanese pianist, Chie Tsuyuki, was received with delighted cheering and bravos. Tsuyuki performed an outstanding and inspiring recital on February 1, 2004 in Dunning Hall Auditorium at Queen's University. Not many were expecting such a high caliber of performance by a young pianist, however by looking at her recent accomplishments Tsuyuki appears to be on the rise as an up and coming artist.

As a recent Laureate and winner of a special prize at the "Ibla Grand Prize" 2003 International Piano Competition in Italy, she has demonstrated her ability to take command of challenging repertoire and display her own musical integrity and artistic flair. Prof. Ireneus Zuk of the School of Music, who served on the jury for this competition, organized Tsuyuki's performance at Queen's. Her program featured Bach's Chromatic Fantasy and Fugue in D minor BVW903, Sonata in C minor, Op. 111 by Beethoven, Scherzo in E major, Op. 54 by Chopin, L'sle Joyeuse by Debussy and the highly demanding Sonata in B minor by Liszt. These major piano works require brilliant technique, skill and artistry. By presenting all of these pieces in the same program, she displayed her incredible focus and stamina as well as her musical proficiency. Also included was En Vers by Japanese composer Akira Miyoshi, which was composed in 1980. The piece is surreal and impressionistic; Tsuyuki expertly handled the subtleties of expression and brought across the character of the piece in a very accessible manner.

In all of these works, she was able to master the technical aspect of the piece and at the same time convey inner emotion and passion. One was struck by her humility and musicianship that is clearly beyond her years.