Battle of Musical Expression VI: Chihiro Kawahara and Benito Garcia
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Beni Takes the Stage: “Battle of Musical Expression VI” Comes to a Close
“Battle of Musical Expression VI” concluded successfully on Saturday, October 12, 2024, at Cube Hall in the Tokorozawa Civic Cultural Centre Muse.
This performance series sees pianist Chihiro Kawahara engage in an artistic “battle” with music and cultures from different genres, as well as various forms of dance expressed through the body. This time, the collaboration was with flamenco.
For this performance, Beni danced to three pieces: the second movement of Bach’s “Italian Concerto,” and No. 4, “Córdoba,” and No. 1, “Asturias,” from Albéniz’s “Cantos de España.” He was emotionally immersed in the performance from the rehearsals onward, and its power was such that even the staff working nearby would find themselves stopping to watch, completely captivated.
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During Rehearsals
Chihiro Kawahara, Beni and staff beside the piano during rehearsal Beni rehearses seated on a red chair beside the piano Beni rehearses with a black shawl to Chihiro Kawahara’s piano
During the performance, Chihiro’s beautiful piano sound and Beni’s dancing became one, creating such a wonderful collaboration that we felt as though we were in another world. Beni responded to Chihiro’s feelings, and at other times Chihiro responded to his. It felt more like sharing time together than a battle, and it became a truly wonderful performance.
At the end of the performance, the loud applause would not stop. Beni also performed an improvised dance during the encore, bringing the event to an enthusiastic close.
Thank you to everyone who came to the performance.
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An Audience Member’s Impressions
I went to see Beni’s stage performance with the piano.
It was truly wonderful. Every single movement, from the tips of his toes to his fingertips, was so beautiful. The classical, nostalgic atmosphere, Beni’s refined dancing, the collaboration with the piano—every part of it was absolutely extraordinary.
I felt as though I were in a dream. Beni seemed to be dancing in a sublime, higher dimension; I felt as though I were gazing up at the heavens, and my eyes filled with tears.
He danced to three pieces, and Beni has posted videos.
You can fully appreciate his wonderful dancing, technique, expression, atmosphere, and sound!
It really seems such a shame for something so extraordinary to end after just one performance!
I sincerely hope many more people will have the chance to see it!
Once again, I find myself thinking how extraordinary it is to have met such a wonderful teacher and to be learning from him. I am deeply grateful; it is the best feeling, and it makes me so happy.
Thank you so very much, from the bottom of my heart.
Junko Saito
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