Renowned pianist Martha Argerich says dialogue vital for world peace
TOKYO (Kyodo) -- Famed Argentina-born pianist Martha Argerich says engaging in dialogue to share cultural differences plays a major role in building peace, as she experienced firsthand during her first performance with a Japanese Noh actor.
Cultural exchange "is very important, and it's the source of peace in the world...I think that dialogue is the most important factor in this type of thing," Argerich said at a recent press conference at the Japan National Press Club in Tokyo.
Bunzo Otsuki, a government-designated living national treasure, performed Noh to Argerich's rendition of Bach's Partita No.2 at a Noh theater in 2022 and their performance is featured in a new documentary film titled "Encounter."
"I was very surprised. I was able to act to the sound of Argerich's playing with ease," Otsuki said at the press conference held to announce the completion of the documentary.
Argerich said it "was a wonderful dialogue" to share their cultures and forms of expression through their performance of Bach's music and Noh on stage, as well as through backstage lectures from Otsuki about Noh masks.
"I was always very fascinated by Noh theater. This time, I felt really honored and grateful to share the stage with Maestro Otsuki," Argerich said, adding that Bach's music goes with anything because it contains the essence of human spirit and ways of expression.
Since she won first prize at the prestigious International Frederic Chopin Piano Competition in 1965, which established her reputation, Argerich has been one of the world's most prominent pianists, receiving the Legion of Honor, France's most prestigious award at the rank of commander in 2023, according to the Argerich Arts Foundation.
Argerich recently visited Japan to play for a music festival named after her, Music Festival Argerich's Meeting Point in Beppu, which marked its 25th anniversary this year. She serves as general director of the festival in Oita Prefecture, southwestern Japan.
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