AN OXFORD pianist has shown age is no barrier by making her debut recital in London.
Maki Sekiya amazed crowds during a Sunday morning recital at Wigmore Hall, and at 43-years-old, says she is double the age of pianists who usually make their debut recitals.
Ms Sekiya, who is a musician in residence at the University of Oxford’s Green Templeton College, learnt to play the piano when she was four-years-old.
She moved to the UK from Japan, aged 10, before settling in Oxford nine years ago.
She told the Oxford Mail: “People usually do debut recitals when they are still in their 20s and single, in my case it was not quite like that.
“Usually the performer playing for the first time, is after winning a competition or is someone who is younger.
“It’s not traditional for someone who is a little bit older to do this.”
Ms Sekiya also praised her supporters, who filled out the 552-capacity venue.
“Lots of people came to support and we sold out the hall,” she said.
“It was a wonderful atmosphere – it’s been a while since we’ve been able to do these events, so that made it extra special.
“People have been going through so many difficulties and they said these things make them feel better.
“I got lots of positive messages, which has been really nice.”
Ms Sekiya said she is hoping to use her music to reach a wider audience, while also creating new opportunities for people.
She said: “My supporters have been very supportive and encouraging throughout this, and I hope it can lead to something more.
“I’m really grateful for the support and how this all came about.
“I often feel these days that music should not just stay in the concert halls and that music should be used as a power to make things better, for example with depression and mental health.
“Music can also help people with dementia, and young people who suffered during the lockdowns.
“I want to find a way to fill in those gaps. Online could reach audiences who can’t come to concerts or venues.”
Ms Sekiya highlighted a series of concerts she was involved in before Christmas, which were livestreamed into care homes.
Holywell Music Room, Europe’s oldest custom-built concert hall and part of Wadham College, hosted the group of four choir boys, known as ‘The Miserichords’.
Read again: Choir boys to livestream concerts into care homes
“It was livestreamed into care homes and we had really lovely feedback from them,” said Ms Sekiya.
“Usually care homes would get people going in to sing carols but that’s not been able to happen.”
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