Rising star Japanese pianist Hayato Sumino was honored to perform Gershwin’s ‘Rhapsody in Blue’ during its 100th anniversary celebration.
For an emerging talent like Hayato, performing before 5,000 fans is a thrilling experience. To add an extra layer of excitement to his performance, the young artist surprised the audience by playing an unexpected instrument that some might consider a children’s toy.
In the middle of an improvised cadenza of Gershwin’s classic piano and orchestra piece, Hayato shifted on his stool and reached for a melodica.
This plastic, keyboard-like instrument, played by blowing through a mouthpiece, brought a unique and delightful twist to his already captivating performance, leaving the audience in awe of his versatility and creativity.
Prepare to be impressed by Hayato Sumino’s incredible performance in the video below:
Sumino’s performance was truly extraordinary. Not only did he masterfully play the instrument, improvising on Gershwin’s iconic themes, but he also accompanied himself on the piano with his other hand.
It was a captivating display of virtuosic talent – one musician, seamlessly controlling two instruments at once.
After this incredible interlude, Sumino returned to the piano. He was confidently playing with the Royal Scottish National Orchestra providing accompaniment under the baton of conductor Ben Palmer.
Together, they celebrated the great anthems of classical music, Sumino confidently leading the way.
His ability to seamlessly switch between playing the instrument and accompanying himself on the piano showcased an extraordinary level of skill and musical talent.
Sumino’s virtuosic display pushed the boundaries of what’s possible on stage, captivating the crowd with his mastery of multiple instruments at once while remaining true to the spirit of the classical music.