‘I want to enter into the music’
Pianist Manami Suzuki will make her United States debut, Sept. 7, as the opening recital in the Matinée Musicale 2025-26 season at Memorial Hall. Below is an edited version of our email question and answer session.
Movers & Makers: At what age did you begin studying the piano? Tell us about your family and their involvement in music.
Manami Suzuki: I started playing the piano when I was 4 years old. My older brother was taking piano lessons at the time, so we had a piano at home – and I naturally began playing it, too. My parents weren’t involved in music at all.
M&M: At what age did you take an active interest in music?
Suzuki: I don’t remember everything clearly from when I was very young, but I know I loved playing the piano from the beginning. I especially enjoyed trying out new pieces at home by myself.
M&M: Will this be your first trip to the United States?
Suzuki: I’ve actually been to the United States once before, when I was 7 years old – my family and I visited Florida. But this will be my first time going there to perform, so it feels very new and exciting for me.
M&M: What composer’s music do you enjoy playing most? Which composer’s music is just not right for you?
Suzuki: Right now, I’m very drawn to (Franz) Schubert’s music. His melodies and harmonies are incredibly beautiful, and somehow I feel a deep connection to the loneliness in his works. Every time I play his pieces, they move my heart deeply. I don’t play (Sergei) Prokofiev’s music very often, although I really enjoy listening to it. Maybe someday I’ll try to play his pieces.
M&M: Please describe how it makes you feel when you play the piano.
Suzuki: I feel like I want to enter into the music and become one with it. It’s as if I’m touching the life and emotions of the composer through their work.
M&M: What other interests do you have outside of playing the piano?
Suzuki: I love eating and am very interested in local specialties and famous dishes from different places! Trying new foods is one of my favorite ways to learn about a region’s culture.
M&M: What’s the most important lesson you learned from a piano teacher about life?
Suzuki: My teacher always encourages me to be myself and not worry too much about making mistakes as it gives me courage and helps me express myself honestly as a musician.
Manami Suzuki, piano
Sept. 7, 3 p.m.
Memorial Hall, Over-the-Rhine
Discover more from Movers & Makers
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.