Nishinomiya Opera Soprano To Sing Tonight At The Met

Soprano Mari Takamaru Tonight, 7:30, The Met

Soprano Mari Takamaru and pianist Atsuko Sugihara will perform a recital of European, Japanese and American music tonight at The Met. Their program is being sponsored by the Spokane Nishinomiya Sister City Society and the Spokane Regional International Trade Alliance to benefit student exchange programs between the two cities.

Both Takamaru and Sugihara live and teach in Nishinomiya.

Takamaru, a graduate of Osaka Music University’s vocal performance program, has sung leading roles in such operas as Gounod’s “Faust” and Mozart’s “Magic Flute” and “Marriage of Figaro.” She has also established a career in Japanese opera, including “Asuka,” “The Flowing River” and “Song of Somendono.”

The soprano has appeared as guest artist at Brazil’s International Music Festival at Rondrena and in benefit concerts in Brazil for retired Japanese-Brazilians and for the children of slums.

Takamaru’s Met program includes songs by Franz Schubert and Stephen Foster and arias from Puccini’s “Tosca” and “Madama Butterfly” as well as Japanese folksongs and art songs.

In addition to serving as accompanist in the vocal music on tonight’s recital, Sugihara will perform a group of piano works by Brazilian composer Heitor Villa Lobos and a set of variations by Japanese composer Kozaburo Hirai. , DataTimes MEMO: Tickets are $10, $5 for students, free for children under age 10, $25 for a family, available at the door.