Rachel performed for GCPI in Nevada City three years ago. Her repertoire for study at 2004 GCPI was Ravel’s Gaspard de la nuit, Chopin’s Sonata #3, and Beethoven’s Sonata op. 101.
At the age of sixteen, Rachel Naomi Kudo has performed with the
Chicago Symphony Orchestra, has formed a piano trio that won the silver
medal at the 2003 Fischoff National Chamber Music Competition, and too
many other awards to list.
She lives in Northbrook, Ill, a suburb of Chicago and continues as a
student at Glenbrook North High. She continues her piano studies with
Lee Kum-Sing and Emilio del Rosario.
Born in Washington, D.C., Rachel Naomi Kudo began her piano studies
at age three and at five was accepted as a student of Emilio Del
Rosario at the Northshore Music Center in Chicago.
Rachel's father is visiting Professor in the Department of Urban
Planning and Policy at University of Illinois, Chicago, and a Professor
of Economics at Fukui Prefectural University in Japan. She thus
continues her studies with Mr. Rosario and also with Mrs. Haruko Kasama
in Tokyo.
You’re seventeen now, how old were you when you started playing the piano?
I was four years old when I first began playing the piano.
Do you play any other musical instruments?
Yes,
the violin. I started the violin when I was in 3rd grade and I begged
my mother for lessons. I loved the sound of the violin- probably more
than the piano at that time - but lessons didn't last too long. Now I
just play for fun and in my school orchestra.
Who is your favorite composer? For playing?
I
don't have a specific favorite composer. I love many different
composers and many different works. I do believe that the fundamental
essence of music the epitome of all composers is J.S. Bach - he is
definitely one of my favorite. Others include Mozart, Beethoven,
Chopin, Schumann and many more.
For listening?
Hmm…
I love listening to everything. Besides piano, I especially love the
violin, chamber music and orchestral repertoire. Concertos are also
wonderful. Half the time, I also listen to pop, rap, rock and
alternative music.
I remember that you have a sister. How old is she?
My sister is 14 years old.
Does she still play the piano?
Yes she does, but she also plays the violin and more recently began the clarinet as well.
Are your parents musical?
I
don't think so - at least not professionally. They are both
non-musicians but they do love music. My grandmother is also a serious
classical music lover and used to play the piano.
How did you happen to start playing the piano?
My
parents simply started me on the piano when I was younger. I don't
think it was anything serious- it probably started as a nice hobby and
also a way to discipline me. I don't remember much about it except that
I never disliked it. I probably enjoyed it because I never rebelled
against practicing daily.
I assume you speak Japanese. Do you speak any languages other than Japanese and English?
My
mother is Korean, so I understand most of the language. I also took
German in freshman year of high school and I now take Latin.
You’ve been all over the United States. Have you been to other countries?
Yes,
fortunately I have been to many countries outside the States. I have
lived, performed and regularly visits my friends and family in Japan. I
have also been to Korea, where my mother's relatives reside. Musically
speaking, I have participated in summer festivals and performed in
Italy, Poland, Belgium, and Russia.
If so, what did you like most about it or them?
I
loved Europe! Europe is just so different from North America or Asia,
although I love them too. Europe simply has a totally different air and
historical atmosphere in every country; even being at the airports is
wonderful for me.
Do you like to read? Who is your favorite author?
I
do like to read - reading used to be my favorite thing to do.
Unfortunately, I haven't been able to read as much as I used to because
I am SO busy everyday with school, music, traveling, etc. I don't have
a favorite author - I just try to read a variety of literature whenever
I can.
What type of literature do you prefer? Poetry, fiction, essay?
I
prefer reading stories - fiction, nonfiction, biographies, whatever. If
it's a good story with a compelling message or innovating creativity,
I'm up for it.
What are your interests other than music? Sports?
I LOVE sports.
Which ones?
I have been on the track and badminton team in the past. I also love basketball!! Figure skating is fun to watch too.
Science?
Sure, learning science in school is great. Science museums too.
Scientists have learned that people who study music from an early age tend to like mathematics. Do you?
Yes, I do.
What’s your favorite dinner?
My favorite foods are whatever my mom cooks.
Do you cook? If so, what do you like to cook?
I don't have much time to cook, and my mom is a great cook anyway.
Does your family have a favorite recipe?
We like to eat traditional Japanese and Korean food.
Is there anything else about yourself you’d like to tell us? Take all the room you like and have time for.
I'm looking forward to returning to Nevada City!
