The "Listen to Musicians" section is a section where professionals who usually play music on the stage go down the stage and speak in words.We would like to interview Yukiko Ishibashi, who is active in the Swiss Churich Tonhalle Orchestra, as a guest. I would like to talk about the theme of "studying abroad in music."
(Interview: March 2009)
-Profile of Sachiko Ishibashi-
Sachiko Ishibashi
Born in Osaka.After graduating from Toho Girls' High School Music Department, he graduated from Toho Gakuen University Soloist Diploma Course. In 1997, he studied abroad at the Lubec College of Music and studied under Zaha Hadid. Since 1999, he has studied under Georges Pauk at the Graduate School of Music University of Zurich.Received first prize in the Sendai International Music Competition, Kreisler International Competition, Dot Bailer International Competition, Mozart Music Competition, and Kibanis International Chamber Music Competition.Received the "Aoyama Music Award Grand Prize" from the Aoyama Foundation.Currently, he is a member of the Swiss Churich Tonhalle Orchestra led by David Zinman, and is active as the second concertmaster in the XNUMX/XNUMX season.
-First of all, please tell us your brief background.
Ishibashi I started playing the violin at the age of 5, and after working at Toho Girls' High School Music Department, I graduated from Toho Gakuen University Soloist Diploma Course.After studying abroad at the Lübeck Academy of Music, I graduated from the Zurich School of Music.Currently, he is a member of the Tonhalle-Orchestra in Switzerland, and while focusing on his activities in Europe, he also plays regularly in Japan.
-What made you start playing the violin?
Ishibashi: My mother was a vocalist, so she wanted her children to learn music.I had an older sister who was one year older and is now active as a viola player (Naoko Ishibashi), and by the time I got the hang of it, she was already playing the violin.Seeing that, I started saying that I wanted to do it too.
-Did you choose the violin yourself?
Ishibashi That's right.Seeing her sister practicing, she said she wanted to play, but I don't remember at all (laughs).When I was little, children often enter by imitating anything.I think it started from there too.
Compare with Pearlman!
-So, the influence of your family was great, wasn't it?Have you been familiar with classical music since you were little?
Ishibashi That's right.My mother had performed in many concerts as an opera singer, and my father also loved classical music, so I was conducting while listening to records myself.Vivaldi's "Four Seasons" music was always playing in my father's car, and our sisters accepted classical music smoothly from such an environment.
-You said that you went to Toho's music department from high school. Did you decide your own course?
Ishibashi Yes.From the 6th grade of elementary school to the XNUMXnd grade of junior high school, I went back and forth between Tokyo and Osaka and took lessons once a month with the (deceased) Chikashi Tanaka sensei of Tokyo University of the Arts.I used to go to Tokyo for the first train on Sunday, so I didn't hesitate to leave Osaka, so I was thinking of going to the school I wanted to go to.
-So, from this time on, were you already thinking of going on to become a musician in the future?
Ishibashi: It wasn't until I entered high school that I brought up my goal.When I realized that the level around me was so high that I was one of them, I realized that I shouldn't stay like this.In the audio-visual room, I listened to the performances of various people and used them as a reference, went to concerts that I was interested in as much as possible, and I could not neglect my practice, so I got on the first train at 5 am I used to go to school often.When I think about it now, I practiced the most when I was in high school.I was working hard with the desire to absorb everything.... youth (laughs).
-How much did you practice in a day at that time?
Ishibashi I practiced for 8 hours on weekends.Was it about 5 hours on weekdays?
-8 hours!Did the students around you practice as much?
Ishibashi: I don't remember specifically, but everyone was doing their best.
-You went to college as it was, and after graduating, you went to study abroad at Lübeck Academy of Music, didn't you?
Ishibashi Yes.The soloist diploma course that I majored in Toho is a special course.It is a course that you can graduate in a minimum of 3 years if you can maintain a certain score or more in the violin practical test many times.Since it was a place to train soloists, I was exempted from the department to some extent, but anyway, I couldn't graduate unless I was good at playing the violin.Fortunately, I was able to graduate in three years and studied abroad in Germany at the age of 3 that year.
-It is wonderful!So you've been keeping good grades for a long time, right?
Ishibashi It was never easy.For six years since I was in high school, I wasn't able to perform as I expected, rather than having good grades, and I was frustrated a lot.There were times when I was too nervous in important situations and I couldn't exert my strength.So, anyway, I had to practice a lot and always struggle to overcome my weaknesses.So, on the surface, both high school and soloist diploma course graduated at the top, but it was never an easy path to get there.
-It was the result of hard work, wasn't it?
Ishibashi That's right.In fact, sensei once said, "You have some mental weaknesses, so you should practice a little or do meditation!" (Laughs).With that word, this shouldn't be the case, what should I do!I thought.Since then, besides practicing, I have read a lot of books and received advice from friends and sensei around me. Anyway, I feel like I was desperately wandering in the tunnel and looking for light.So, looking back at that time, it wasn't a smooth sail at all (laughs).
-Did you overcome your tensions and mental weaknesses by practicing and reading books?
Ishibashi Yes, a little! (Laughs) But I'm still fighting!If one thing is cleared-if it can be done, a new wall will be found again ... (laughs) Besides, new challenges will come up every time at the concert.Therefore, I feel that I find out at each concert what kind of situation I should bring myself to the best performance.It would be great if I could grow little by little while gaining experience.
-By the way, regarding studying abroad, when did you start to be specifically aware of studying abroad?
Ishibashi: In my second year at the Soloist Diploma, I met Russian Bron sensei.At that time, sensei was often visited in Japan, and I also took several lessons.And the content of the lesson was so wonderful that I continued to convey my strong desire to study under sensei after graduation for over a year.Then, sensei accepted me, and two years after I met him, I started studying abroad.
-When studying abroad, it is important to keep in touch with sensei.
Ishibashi Yes.Some people come to me asking questions about studying abroad, but what I can say is that if you have a sensei you want to learn, you should keep in touch with that sensei.It means that you should clearly convey your intention to learn at that sensei and make sure that sensei also has a desire to grow up.And at that point, there may be people waiting in line in the class, so you should also check if there are any free slots.It's good to travel, but there are many people who can't learn from the sensei they want to learn, or can't do what they want to do, and become dangling.
-That's very important, isn't it?
Ishibashi Yes.However, in my case, I could only study for a few months at Bron sensei.Actually, I broke my elbow ...I had tendonitis and was unable to play at all, so I was forced to take a leave of absence.Then I returned to Japan and devoted myself to treatment for several months.
-Is that so.The situation where I couldn't play would have been painful ...
Ishibashi That's right.Until then, I had a lot of setbacks, but I never couldn't play until that state, so it was a really tough and big test.
Zurich city
-Still, you didn't give up studying abroad and tried again.
Ishibashi After all, I think that the basis of music is Europe.I still feel this even after about 10 years of living in Europe.Even if you are in Japan and study with books or materials, or receive explanations by mouth, I think that there are many things that you cannot understand until you touch them with your skin.For example, even in baroque music, "why you had to play in a church and in that way" can be understood just by standing in the church and feeling the space.So I wanted to put myself in Europe and experience it for myself.In fact, for the first year after taking a leave of absence, I spent my time traveling around Europe looking for sensei and absorbing music with my skin.I went to listen to orchestra concerts, listened to various lessons not limited to the violin, and traveled to visit the places where musicians lived.
-You had a strong feeling.So how did you meet the next Pauk sensei?
Ishibashi: Actually, I met Pauk sensei when I was 16 years old.When Pauk sensei came to listen to the master class at Toho, he said, "If you want to study abroad, please come to me!"However, I didn't jump into sensei right away.First of all, I attended the sensei class, and after I was convinced that I really wanted to learn from this sensei, I asked Pauk sensei if I could be a student.At the point when I thought that I could build an absolute relationship of trust with this sensei after experiencing the wonderful story of sensei and the wonderful content of the lesson by telling the circumstances and my strong feelings so far, including the tenosynovitis. , I decided to move to Zurich.
-After all, it is really important to meet a good sensei when studying abroad.
Ishibashi That's right!Finding a good sensei and having a strong will and goals are very important for studying abroad.Without this, it would be difficult to live abroad.In fact, I've seen many people who are frustrated and return home.It is also important to keep in touch with sensei in advance to find a place to accept them, and to acquire some language skills before traveling.Also, from my experience, if you have a scholarship system, you should try as much as possible.
-By the way, when did you start studying German?
Ishibashi I started studying a year before studying abroad, but I didn't understand at all.So I had a lot of trouble later.At the beginning, I communicated in English, but after all, I gradually needed to speak German.So, I took an intensive lecture in German, but it was very difficult because I took time for the lecture when I wanted to practice anyway, such as before the competition.It was too late to start studying abroad a year ago, so if you are thinking of studying abroad in the future, it is never too early to start studying a language.
-Did you have any questions about your language skills when you entered Lübeck or Zurich?
Ishibashi When I was in Lübeck, I needed a certificate that I had studied.Zurich was exempted, probably because he had a background of studying in Germany.
-After all, words are better than you can.
Ishibashi That's really true. Even now, 10 years later, I'm still struggling!The sooner the better.And it will be useful if you can understand a little English.
Zurich city
-So, when you went to Zurich, was there any difference in the way you study music between Germany and Switzerland?
Ishibashi: It's not the difference between countries, but the difference in sensei that I learned.I learned the clown element from Bron sensei.How to take nuances and how to take intervals that no one can imagine.From Pauk sensei, I learned how to guide musicality, playing techniques, and the style of songs.I also learned a lot about how I can express myself by making the most of my taste and musicality.I was really happy to learn different parts from each sensei.
-You met a wonderful sensei person.
Ishibashi Yes.After studying abroad, I learned that the most important thing is "music".Feel the flow, believe in the song that overflows from your heart, and play it as it is.Techniques can be supplemented later, so don't worry about small things, try playing them first.All the Pauk sensei students had different colors, and I also developed my own personality.And now I can play freely while making the best use of my taste.
-How long have you been studying under Pauk sensei?
Ishibashi From 1999 to 2003.
-After that, you joined the orchestra.How did this come about?
Ishibashi After graduating from the final process, you will be asked to choose whether to return to Japan completely or find a place to work there.I still wanted to study in Europe, so I was wondering if I could make new discoveries if I joined the orchestra ...At first, I joined the group thinking that I would try it for only one year during the trial period.But I met a wonderful person there and decided to stay in Switzerland (laughs).
-Did the recruitment advertisement have a recruitment advertisement?
Ishibashi Yes.There are many applicants for Tonhalle every time, but it seems that there were about 200 applicants at that time as well.From there, I narrowed down the number of people by document screening, and when I took it, 37 people participated in the first examination, 2 people in the second examination, and only 5 people remained in the third examination.In the final exam, there was a first look besides the orchestra song.As a result, I was lucky enough to receive it.
-How many judges are there?
Ishibashi There are about 100 orchestra members, but about 30 to 40 of them are in the judging process. The first examination is in a format where it is not possible to see who is judging, but from the second examination, you will be playing in front of a line of judges.It was a very nervous place (laughs)
-30 people would be nervous.
Ishibashi Yes.Besides, everyone is looking at me with a grimaces (laughs).
-I think it's difficult to say that Japanese people are recognized and hired, but how about that?
Ishibashi For example, if Japanese and Germans have the same power, I think that Germans will definitely be hired.So I think you need individuality to win there.In my case, I think that I have "singing heart" as one of the expression methods to convey my goodness.So when I play, I always say, "Thank you everyone for listening to my performance at this place today!"If you play a piece that believes in your own goodness, or your own personality, and conveys it to the other party, you will be able to shine brightly even in the acorn's sekurabe.
-Are there any tips other than technology?For example, communication skills and language skills.
Ishibashi You don't need to join the group at all.
-It means that you are completely evaluated only for your practical skills.
Ishibashi Yes.However, after joining the group, there is a trial period of one or two years, but if you cannot speak German during this period, you will be instructed to attend a German language school.However, recently, every orchestra has become international, and if you can have a minimum conversation, I think that you will not be required to speak the language of that country so severely.
Tonhalle Orchestra Rehearsal (Conductor Pearlman)
-Some people can't continue after the trial period, right?What are the criteria for the examination at that time?
Ishibashi First of all, since the focus is on practical skills, the lowest line is to always do your best for the year, prepare well, and prepare for the actual performance.After that, humanity will also be needed.What I always keep in mind is to treat people of any national character in any country with sincerity.For example, in Germany and Switzerland, there are many people who are self-assertive, so in those places I also assert what I want to say.Just like a Japanese person, just listening to Nico Nico quietly, I was told "I don't know what I'm thinking" and it's over.Even if you are not fluent in words, if you try to respond in good faith, I think that you will understand your humanity.
-By the way, Ishibashi, will you be able to solve the musical problems yourself?Or do you seek advice from someone?
Ishibashi First, find a solution for yourself.If you still can't see anything, ask the people around you.When I was a student, I thought about it myself and asked, "What kind of interpretation would you make if it were sensei?"And there were times when the light came into view from a different direction.
-Is that the case when you start a new song?
Actually, when I was a college student, I heard about it when I met Seiji Ozawa sensei, the conductor of Toho's senior conductor. "How does sensei study when starting a new song?" sensei said, "First, read the score and study for yourself." When I asked, "Don't you listen to other people's CDs?", "Of course, I don't listen. If I don't study for myself, I'll be influenced by the music around me, and I'll be influenced by other people's music. Because it will be. "The moment I heard this, the scales fell from my eyes.At that time, I started by listening to the CDs of various people.However, after hearing that story, I started to read and think about the score myself.Of course, it takes three or four times as long.Even when the road doesn't open, I spend months trying to finish it on my own, even though I'm at a loss.After that, I put in some advice elements, such as asking sensei for opinions and listening to other performances.Then, the roots are solidified by your own music, so you won't be shaken.
-So that's it.If you have a prejudice, it will be difficult to make your own music.Can you give us some advice for those who want to study abroad and join an orchestra?
Ishibashi: You always have a strong desire to touch the instrument, what you want to be.Start with a strong spirit and determination to keep trying.
Co-starring with her husband Andy
-You still have to have a belief.
Ishibashi Yes.If you have a strong belief, it's not a bad idea to live abroad once!However, living forever is difficult, though (laughs).In my case, the moment I arrive in Japan, I feel relieved and truly relaxed.I've lived in Europe for XNUMX years and I'm used to it, but foreign countries are still foreign countries.We are foreigners here all the time.Therefore, if you have any wishes, I really recommend studying abroad in Europe, but I would like you to be well prepared.
-Have you ever shaken your beliefs?And how did you overcome that time?
Ishibashi As I mentioned earlier, I broke my arm once and returned to Japan, but at that time I was shocked and homesick, and by returning my body to a place where I could protect myself once, "I was injured, but But I did my best, "he said, and created an environment where he could be mentally calm and physically free.After that, I faced my feelings again.And I strongly wanted to study again, so I went back to Europe again.However, in reality, studying abroad means going to study, so the relationship with sensei is very important. If you have a solid relationship of trust with sensei, you can consult and give advice.The part that can be overcome is large.
-So what does classical music mean to you, Ishibashi?
Ishibashi Yeah!That's difficult (laughs).... After all, I wonder if it's "myself".Is it a message from myself that conveys the "heart" using musical instruments?
-I think you will continue to be based in Switzerland and Japan, but do you have any dreams for the future as a musician?
With my husband Andy.
Ishibashi: I was very happy to learn and experience many things in my musical life.This time, I think it's my turn to convey it to various people.
Through the violin, I would like to continue to convey gratitude, joy, sadness, and various expressions of "heartfelt music" to everyone.
-It was a very valuable story for everyone who is thinking about studying abroad.Thank you very much for your busy schedule today!
-------------------------------
You can see Sachiko Ishibashi's future activities on the following website.http://www.yukikoishibashi.com
Concert information
October XNUMX, XNUMX Kyoto Cafe Montage Starts at XNUMX:XNUMX (Contact XNUMX-XNUMX-XNUMX)
String trio concert
Dohonani String Trio
Handel (Arranged by Helverson) Passacaglia (vl & va)
Beethoven String Trio XNUMXp, XNUMX-XNUMX
Sachiko Ishibashi Violin
Naoko Ishibashi Viola
Keiko Gomi Cello
October XNUMX, XNUMX Nagoya Hanayama Music Plaza XNUMXF Lobby Concert XNUMX:XNUMX Start Free admission
String trio concert by the Ishibashi sisters
Schubert String Trio D.XNUMX
Handel (Arranged by Helverson) Passacaglia (vl & va)
Dohonani String Trio
Sonata for Mozart Viola and Cello KXNUMX
Beethoven String Trio XNUMXp, XNUMX-XNUMX
Sachiko Ishibashi Violin
Naoko Ishibashi Viola
Keiko Gomi Cello
October XNUMX, XNUMX Nagoya Denki Bunka Hall XNUMX:XNUMX Start Admission XNUMX yen
(Contact J-Project XNUMX-XNUMX-XNUMX)
Naoko Ishibashi Trio Concert
Schubert String Trio D.XNUMX
Handel (Arranged by Helverson) Passacaglia (vl & va)
Dohonani String Trio
Sonata for Mozart Viola and Cello KXNUMX
Beethoven String Trio XNUMXp, XNUMX-XNUMX
Sachiko Ishibashi Violin
Naoko Ishibashi Viola
Keiko Gomi Cello
October XNUMX, XNUMX Toyonaka Felice Hall XNUMX:XNUMX start
String trio concert by the Ishibashi sisters
Contact XNUMX-XNUMX-XNUMX
Schubert String Trio D.XNUMX
Handel (Arranged by Helverson) Passacaglia (vl & va)
Dohonani String Trio
Sonata for Mozart Viola and Cello KXNUMX
Beethoven String Trio XNUMXp, XNUMX-XNUMX
Sachiko Ishibashi Violin
Naoko Ishibashi Viola
Keiko Gomi Cello
Book a Counseling