"I think I gave a vivid impression to the audience and the juries as a first performer of the day. I performed adventurously." said S. SEKIMOTO (Japan). Actually he isn't such an early bird.
"Today, I was able to express myself very well. In the Hall, the piano sounds so beautifully and even I enjoyed myself listening to my music."
This is his first participation in an international competition. He has been spending a fulfilling time since his arrival in Hamamatsu with lots of stimulation by other contestants. For him, winning the prizes in the competitions are just a start line as a performer.
"When I made a good performance, it is like taking a shower of happiness." he smiled. The audience must have been taking a shower of sounds to start the day.

"The pieces I chose are my favorites, and they are not chosen by many other contestants." said T. YOSHINAGA (Japan), who played LIST's Hungarian Rhapsody as a work from the Romantic period for the 1st Stage.
He is now studying at Moscow State Conservatory of Music.
"In the Russia education of piano, it is important to have not only the skill but also to learn the way of reproducing the sound you want to play. Although the piano itself is a musical instrument, you have to make it sing. It takes time to learn, though."
By the way, he loves detective stories. Every time he comes back to Japan, he brings some books to Moscow. This time, too?

A.ANAZCO(Ecuador) performed with a small badge of his country Ecuador on his chest. Mr.CANIZARES, his teacher welcomed him after his performance.
"I could have played much better, but it was good." ANAZCO said.
He is seventeen years old. He started the piano lesson at the age of five and was aware of professional pianist at the age of ten. He is aiming to be a Chopanist.
He feels familiar with Japan because there're many Japanese in his country and moreover Mr. CANIZARES studied with S. BABAYAN, the 1st prizewinner of the 1st Hamamatsu Competition and V. LIADOV, the 1st prizewinner of the 2nd Hamamatsu Competition in Moscow.