A Year 9 student at BISS Pudong, Jason practises for more than three hours each day and has done so for nearly all his years. For him, the violin is more than just a musical instrument – it is his life. Born in Japan, Jason first learned to play the violin when he was three years old, under the guidance of Mr. Tuyosi Yamamoto of the Japan Talent Education Institute. Since then, he has risen to become an accomplished musician, giving recitals across Asia, including performing for the New Year’s Concert of Shanghai Grand Theatre. He is currently under the tutelage of Professor Bin Huang of the Shanghai Conservatory of Music. Since 2011, he has given recitals in Suzhou, Shanghai, Beijing and Tokyo. He doesn’t just play classical pieces – he lives them.
So engrossed was he in his performance that the audience at yesterday’s recital at the Shanghai Oriental Arts Centre were completely enthralled. Performing concertos by Mozart and Bruch, Jason captivated the 500-strong auditorium with a brilliant display of mastery and precision. Listening to him lose himself – that is how it seemed: like nothing else mattered, completely enveloped in the beauty of the music and the performance – we too were transported to another preciously joyous place. The rapturous applause at the end prompted an encore of such skill and artistry that we were left breathless.
Jason dedicated his performance yesterday to the students at the Bright Connection in Sanya – children he met while on our recent Project Week and for whom he played his violin while he was there.
The British International School is fortunate to have Jason as a student. His talent and his commitment to his talent is an inspiration to us all.