Edit-Maria FAZAKAS(Romania) and Maria ZISI(Greece) visited an elementary school.

They met in this competition for the first time, and they became friends in a mini party held after the 1st stage. Now they stay at the Katos together. Their concert was taken place at Takasago elementary school which Mr. and Mrs. Kato's daughter goes.

Kato family received two contestants last time and held home concert twice. With their experience,they ome up wih the idea of holding a small concert at school in addition to the ones at home this time.
"Although there is a competition in Hamamatsu, elementary school students cannot go as it is taking a place during school hours.. I planned this mini concert so that children can listen to real music by wonderful pianists from foreign countries."

All 89 students and teachers came to the music room in lunch break. They welcomed two pianists with applause.


Miss ZISI performed pieces including sonata composed by Haydn,which she played in the 1st stage. Miss FAZAKAS played Mephisto Waltz in A major composed by Liszt,which she prepared for the 2nd stage. Mephisto Waltz was a request of Mrs. Kato, and a pretty sonata was chosen to suit children.

After the performance, all students sang "Please give me wings" in return. They actually practiced just before the two pianists came. Listening to their chorus, Miss ZISI was moved to tears and said "Thank you!" They slso gave a bouquet to students.

"What do you think of a mini concert?" We asked them.
"Nice plan. I was glad to see that students listened to us holding their breath even though they are young." Miss FAZAKAS said.
"It is a good plan to hold concert only for children. The song they sang for us was wonderful and I almost cried." Miss ZISI said.

Miss ZISI took out her camera when she took a look at a classroom. The classroom was a little bit mssy since it was just after the lunch time. A teacher tried to clean up, but ZISI said "No! It's better this way!" She told us that Japanese classrooms are neater than Greek ones. Could you take good photos, Miss ZISI?

They are going to stay in Japan until 25th, and they come to the competition occasionally.They came to the hall today to listen to the performance of Mr. Alexander KOBRIN.