Masato Suzuki On The State of Classical Music, Advice to Young Artists, and His Top Accomplishments
Just a one sentence description of Masato Suzuki proves that he is many things: the Dutch-born Japanese conductor, composer, pianist, harpsichordist and organist, studied both in Japan (at Tokyo National University for Fine Arts and Music) and The Netherlands (at The Hague). But there is too much about Suzuki to keep his descriptor to just a sentence.
Suzuki has led orchestras including the Hiroshima Symphony, Kyushu Symphony, Sendai Philharmonic, Tokyo Symphony and Yomiuri Nippon Symphony Orchestras and held the position of Principal Conductor with the Yokohama Sinfonietta during 2013 – 2015. With a repertoire including Beethoven, Dvorak and Schubert, this season, Suzuki debuted with Japan Philharmonic Orchestra.
In his role as Music Director of Ensemble Genesis, he presents ambitious programmes of baroque and contemporary music in imaginative combinations. All of those accomplishments aren’t enough to keep Suzuki busy enough: As organist and harpsichordist, Suzuki’s has performed major concert venues and festivals across Europe and the USA, and is the Executive Producer of the Chofu International Music Festival.
We sat down with Suzuki to discuss his newest recording, with French violinist Antoine Tamestit, his legacy as a multi-faceted musician, growing up in a family of artists, and more.
Your recent recording with violist Antoine Tamestit features J.S. Bach’s three sonatas for Viola da Gamba and Harpsichord. You have grown up with music of Bach, of course, through your father, Masaaki Suzuki. Can you tell us how you feel about Bach’s music?
Bach will always be my home ground - this is where music begins and ends for me. I enjoy listening and exploring many other genres such as jazz and Japanese contemporary music, but I always return to Bach!
What was the inspiration behind this recording? And what do you hope that people will feel/think when they listen to this music?
Antoine and I have been friends for a long time now, and share a lot of the same musical ideas. Last year, he came to see me at a festival in Tokyo where he started to talk about recording something together, and the result has been so fruitful. I’m very grateful and happy that we have been able to create this album together!
What’s the one thing you would like people to remember about your artistry?
This is a difficult question! I am a composer, conductor and keyboard player, and the natural course is for people to remember a specific territory a musician is known for!
However, I hope I am remembered for upholding the Baroque tradition to play and direct.
Can you tell us about two musicians who have inspired your own artistry?
My biggest influence is, of course, my father, Masaaki Suzuki. As a colleague, friend, father and fellow musician, he has taught me many things about life and music, and I am very grateful for the relationship we have.
My mother is a singer and has also taught me a great deal about life as a musician, as has my uncle who is principle cellist in the Bach Collegium Japan. Music runs in the family!
What are your favorite recordings of other artists ever released?
Michel Camilo & Tomatito – Spain
Oscar Peterson plays the Cole Porter Songbook
Henry Purcell: Fantasias for the Viols 1680 by Hespèrion XX
What do you think needs to be done to improve growing classical music audiences for live concerts? Or is it fine the way it is at the moment?
Older generations seem to relate to classical music more, as it doesn’t change. New forms of music have since evolved – jazz, rock, metal etc, but classical music is timeless, and expresses our comprehensive feelings in a way other music doesn’t. I think it’s important to use social media and streaming to reach out to younger generations, as this is where the interest is these days.
In Japan concert halls are full of both young and older generations, who all love to hear new music.
What is your #1 piece of advice to artists who are starting their careers as professional musicians?
Believe in yourself, and be confident! It’s easy to believe you are not strong as a young musician due to inexperience, however this shouldn’t stop you from being forward with your talent.
What steps need to be taken in many parts of the world to offer high quality music education to children?
I think singing to children is very important, and introducing them to different sounds and music. Learning instruments and technique can come later as a secondary priority. Teachers and parents surrounding children with their love for music is the best thing we can do.
Offering teenagers cheaper ticket prices might help encourage them to attend more performances and become inspired to become musicians, as well.
What is your most cherished accomplishment so far?
Becoming Principal Conductor of the Bach Collegium of Japan last September was a big accomplishment.
How has your experience in life shaped your artistry?
Being married and the birth of my daughter has changed me as a musician.
What do you do off the stage that provides inspiration on stage?
I love to play Japanese chess, and going to concerts, listening to live jazz… music is always an inspiration to me! Chatting with other people who don’t know anything about classical music is always inspiring as it reminds you why we do this!
Where do you derive happiness?
Good music, good friendship, good food and drink and good family!
Where do you want to be in five or 10 years from now?
I hope I am still a musician, a more giving person and more experienced.
