Noted marimbist to perform at Westminster

The Woodbridge Music Club will welcome acclaimed international musician Makoto Nakura Friday night at the Westminster at Lake Ridge retirement community.

Nakura is known for his skills on the marimba, which are keys or bars (usually made of wood) struck with mallets to produce musical tones. The keys are arranged as those of a piano, with the accidentals raised vertically and overlap-ping the natural keys to aid the performer both visually and physically.

Originally from Kobe, Japan, Nakura began playing marimba at age eight. He wrote his graduate thesis on the marimba as a solo instrument, and also studied at the Royal Academy of Music in London, where he was later named an associate.

Nakura moved to New York City in 1994, becoming the first marimbist to win first prize in the prestigious Young Concert Artists International Auditions. His critically acclaimed performances around the world have included venues in London, Rome, Tokyo, Hong Kong, Seoul and Ho Chi Minh City.

In the U.S., he has performed for audiences in 40 of the 50 states with orchestras such as the New York Chamber Symphony, the Chicago Sinfonietta and the California Symphony.

As a recital soloist, his long list of appearances includes Carnegie's Weill Recital Hall, New York's 92nd Street Y and Washington's Kennedy Center. In addition, Nakura has been a guest artist with the Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center and appeared in the Bravo! Vail Valley Music Festival, Spoleto USA Festival, Bridgehampton Chamber Music Festival and Music from Angel Fire.

Nakura has been featured on "CBS Sunday Morning." His recitals have been widely televised by KBS (Korea) and NHK (Japan) and played on many radio stations.

The Woodbridge Music Club is an affiliate of the Virginia Federation of Music Clubs, and of the National Federation of Music Clubs.  Events are supported in part by a grant from the Prince William County Park Authority. The Woodbridge Music Club sponsors performances, student recitals and student music competitions in Prince William.

—Submitted by the Woodbridge Music Club