This will be a talk and performance by a distinguished world-class pianist who has performed in such venues as New York’s Lincoln Center and Carnegie Hall, as well as–more recently–at the closing ceremony of the Paralympics in Tokyo. Originally from Osaka, Gohei Nishikawa did not begin studying piano until he was fifteen years old, but his speedy progress led to his graduation from the Osaka College of Music and a bold move to the US to pursue a career as a professional pianist.
Not long after moving to the U.S., Gohei Nishikawa began to suffer from a neurological disorder called dystonia, which affects bodily control and movement. At one point, this medical condition made it impossible for him to play the piano. However, through years of painstaking rehabilitation, he gradually regained his ability to play with his right hand, and with two fingers on his left hand. His comeback began in 2008 when he played at an International Music Festival in Italy. In 2009, Mr. Nishikawa achieved a prize at an international piano competition for pianists with disabilities in Vancouver, Canada. In 2012, he had an opportunity to give a speech and performance at Gracie Mansion, the New York City Mayor’s residence.
Five years ago, Gohei Nishikawa returned to Carnegie Hall’s Stern Auditorium as a 7-fingered pianist. Since then, he has been performing, in person and on television, all over the world. In 2015, Gohei’s autobiography was published and NHK made a documentary about his life in 2016. Panasonic chose him for a worldwide TV commercial in 2017. This year you may have seen Gohei Nishikawa performing at the closing ceremony of the Tokyo 2020 Paralympics. Read more about Gohei by referring to this newspaper article about his life and work.
EVENT: Talk and piano concert
TITLE: Connecting people through narrative and music in the best of times and in the worst of times: From Carnegie Hall to the Paralympics
WHEN: November 25, 2021 (Thursday), 3rd Period (13:20~14:50)
WHERE: Aoyama Campus, Room 1134 & over Zoom
LANGUAGE: English (without simultaneous interpretation)
TARGET AUDIENCE: IE students and any other interested parties
NOTE: For the link to the Zoom session, apply (using your official AGU email address) by writing to ApplyAoyamaGakuin [AT] gmail.com . Of course, substitute @ for the [AT]. IE Core and IE Seminar students will be offered the link by their teacher.
Looking to the future…
