“Pray for Noto,” a benefit concert to help those impacted by the massive 7.6 earthquake in the Noto Peninsula of Japan on Jan. 1, will bring world-famous violinist, concertmistress and teacher Yuuki Hashimori to Vashon this weekend.
Hashimori’s concert, accompanied by pianist Nozomi Khudyev, will be prefaced by remarks from Deputy Consul General Junichi Sumi, of Seattle’s Consulate General of Japan, and take place from 1-3 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 11, at Mukai Farm & Garden, at 18017 107th Ave SW.
The concert is free, and open to the public, with donations suggested.
The benefit was spearheaded by 10-year Vashon resident Ayumi Luke, who experienced the earthquake first-hand while visiting her parents in Japan.
The shaking, subsequent tsunami, and series of major aftershocks caused widespread devastation and killed at least 236 people, with over 1300 injuries, making it the deadliest earthquake in Japan since the 2016 Kumamoto earthquakes.
The quake, which destroyed countless buildings and businesses, badly damaged infrastructure and displaced tens of thousands, is expected to have a lasting impact on the Japanese economy.
But amidst the sadness and uncertainty, there is also a resolve to rebuild and repair the damage — and Yuuki Hashimori, appearing on Vashon, will lift her bow to assist in those efforts.
Hashimori — a violin prodigy who began her violin studies at the age of three — was throughout her childhood the frequent winner of Japanese competitions including the 5th annual Classic Music Competition and the 51st annual Japan Music Competition for young people in Tokyo. She was selected to participate in the 1st Miyazaki International Chamber Music Festival, performing a violin seminar with Isaac Stern and in master classes with Augustin Dumay.
At the age of 11, Hashimori became the youngest scholarship student at the Cologne University of Music in Germany, where she studied under renowned professor Zakhar Bron.
In Sep. 2007, Hashimori received a scholarship and began her studies at Roosevelt University Chicago College of Performing Arts as a student of Shmuel Ashkenasi — leading to more honors including an appearance on the Latin Grammy Awards, where she performed with Carlos Santana and Ricky Martin.
In 2014, Hashimori made her recording debut on Octavia Records with her album “Grand Waltz.”
Since 2019, Hashimori has been appointed as a concertmistress for Yale Philharmonic Orchestra. In this role, she proposes new ways to enjoy classical music by collaborating with world-renowned designer Junko Koshino on costume collaboration, premiering artificial intelligence (AI) compositions, and holding innovative concerts every year. She has also been involved in many charity performances.
She has appeared as a soloist with the Tokyo Symphony Orchestra, the Tokyo New Philharmonic Orchestra, the NHK Danyuu Symphony Orchestra, the Kojima Musica Collegia, and others. In Japan, she frequently appears on popular Japanese television programs.
Hashimori is currently based in Japan and the United States. To find out more about her work, visit yuukihashimori.com. For more details on the concert, email Ayumi Luke at ayuayusnake@gmail.com.
