Subject: Only Fujiko-san @ Tokyo International Forum
Date: 2023.05.02 20:42
Yesterday, I attended my second Fujiko Hemming piano concert of the year. It was my first time at a concert at the Tokyo International Forum. My seat this time was in the center, five rows from the front. I couldn’t quite see her hands, but her face and outfit were clearly visible.
As usual, the venue darkened, and Ms. Hemming walked onto the stage with her walker. Last time, she began by apologizing for not feeling well, but today she seemed to be in good spirits, which was a relief.
The program has become quite predictable, so I can tell how she’s feeling. This time, it seemed she was in a bit of pain between pieces, gathering a little courage before starting each one. She played mostly with her eyes closed. Despite her age, she does make some mistakes, but as Fujiko-san says, “It’s okay to make mistakes. I’m not a machine.” She never stops playing, though.
The audience also enjoys her outfits. In the first half, she wore a black dress with a lace pattern and a voluminous skirt. She wore pants underneath, which seemed like fishnet tights—a quite spectacular combination. She had rolled them up to her knees to press the pedals. Her back was adorned with fur, making her look like an angel. And with golden hair, she wore a large barrette with black and gold trim. Only Fujiko-san could pull off such a distinctive style!
Her tone is gentle, filling the hall with soft sounds that the Tokyo International Forum’s acoustics complement well. Next to me, a high school student and her mother were seated; the mother was so moved she spread her handkerchief out completely, leaning forward and wiping her tears as she watched. I wonder why some people are moved to tears by Fujiko-san’s playing? Many do cry, but I have not reached that point yet (haha). However, I feel I might understand someday and look forward to attending her next concert. The first half ended with Chopin’s “Fantaisie-Impromptu,” a piece I adore.
The second half featured a bright stage with Fujiko-san in a colorful kimono-like outfit! It felt as if the venue itself was illuminated by divine light. I even made an illustration of it.
It’s amazing how she considers her fans! No matter where she performs, the place immediately becomes Fujiko-san’s world. Liszt’s “Hungarian Rhapsody” always receives the longest applause. The final piece was “La Campanella,” and there was an encore. She seems to be in good health, though she laughed, saying, “At my age, my hands do hurt.” The encore pieces were the “Turkish March” and “Träumerei.” You could hear someone shouting “Bravo!”—I’m not ready to make my ‘Bravo’ debut yet, but maybe one day (haha).
The concert ended with a thunderous applause, and Fujiko-san, as usual, waved to us in the audience. As I was about to wave back, an elderly woman with white hair approached the stage to shake hands with Fujiko-san. Despite using a walker, Fujiko-san leaned over slightly to accommodate the handshake. It takes courage to step forward like that woman did, perhaps seeking strength from Fujiko-san during a troubling time. As a fan, it was a beautiful way to end the evening.
Fujiko-san’s way of living is truly admirable. As she continues to tour the world, I hope she remains healthy. Along with the brochure, there was a flyer for her concert in Tokyo this December—she’ll be 91 by then. I’m definitely planning to attend—it’ll be a perfect end to 2023!
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