Challenge as an Inspiration: Concert & Conversation with Makiko Hirata

This event is presented by Pasadena Village. Pianist Dr. Makiko Hirata will play selections from Chopin, Godowsky, Mompou and others, and talk about how the challenges in their lives and social-historical circumstances led to their opuses. A celebrated pianist with 10 released albums, Hirata, known as the “Dr Pianist,” promotes the profound influence of music for healing and unity – a perfect artist for our series aimed to create connection, healing and community belonging. About Makiko Hirata Pianist Dr. Makiko Hirata has graced stages worldwide including Carnegie Hall and Ozawa Hall, and is passionately committed to harnessing the power of music for healing and unity. Seamlessly blending artistic excellence with advocacy, she has positioned herself as a pivotal figure in showcasing the profound influence of music on societal well-being. Transitioning from her birth in Japan to her upbringing in Hong Kong and eventually to Juilliard at the young age of 13, Dr. Hirata’s diverse background has been the foundation of her belief in music as a universal language, central to her identity as a global citizen. Holding a Doctor of Musical Arts degree from Rice University, Dr. Hirata serves as an instructor for the Stanford Program on International and Cross-Cultural Education (SPICE) and as a staff pianist at the Colburn Conservatory of Music. As a Shigeru Kawai Artist, Dr. Hirata continues to inspire through her performances, teachings, and initiatives, bridging cultures and communities with her musical message. Discover more about Dr. Hirata’s inspiring journey and her contributions to music and society at her website and her YouTube channel. If you have any questions please contact the Pasadena Village Program Manager, Pablo Ortiz-Morales at [email protected] or 626-765-1040.