European Suzuki Association - Teachers Newsletter Vol 36 2016

15 musicianship. Just wonderful how it flowed so seamlessly, with Tim’s great arrangements and the stylish string or- chestra. I was inspired when we got home, to take down from the shelves ‘Nurtured by Love’ and read all about Koji again.” “I am sure you are still flying after what was truly one of the best days ever.” “The Gala was absolutely fantastic. It was stunning and the children played beautifully. My favourites were Czardas, Allegro and Wishing. And what a beauti- ful version of Twinkle at the end (where everything started), I loved it.” “What a vision to bring children from all walks of the world together to share their love for music.” “I had 16 students perform in groups Violin 4 and Violin 5. The parents and children are still on a high. I have re- ceived the most lovely texts and emails from all of them over the last few days and two of my students were in the Play- together-Concert at the Royal College, and they had a super experience. Hear- ing Koji Toyoda was most inspiring for them. I really cannot thank you enough for giving my students the experience of a lifetime.” “The Suzuki Gala was absolutely amaz- ingly wonderful. I have been showing the DVD of it to all my classes of students in Africa. The children are spellbound, what a fantastic event it was. You have to have a dream to have a dream come true!!! Now, what is our next dream?” “As a Teacher Trainer I am inspired to be part of such a great and wonderful Suzuki Community. The healing power of the RAH Gala concert is one that will last for a long time.” “It was a very good example of indeed ‘if love is deep ’ and ‘we walk together’: so deeply wished for by our beloved teacher Shinichi Suzuki.” “It was a unique moment in the history of the Suzuki Method. There are some mile- stones in our movement and that is for sure one of those, when all the energy that is being generated in so many places suddenly meets in one point, and creates something unique.” “My most sincere and heartfelt congratu- lations to the big success of your dream and efforts of long years. That was great. This was a phenomenal event. It became one of the most precious ex- periences of my life. God bless you.” from Professor Koji Toyoda The aftermath of this extraordinary experience continues on. I am still met in foreign countries by Suzuki friends who were there, who say that the con- cert was the highlight of their lives. Even people I don’t know stop me in airports, having seen the DVD and I continue to receive happy emails from participants from all over the world. We were a great team, and I am on my knees in gratitude to those phenome- nal musicians and organisers in the BSI Gala team, who made all this possible. This event could not have happened without the one-in-a-million Minette Joyce, our magnificent project man- ager. Grant Mead (piano), Tim Murray (Suzuki Gala Ensemble composer and conductor), Jillian Leddra (Violin), Mona Kodama and Juan Drown (Violin / Viola / stage managers), and Annette Costanzi (Cello). All worked ceaselessly for literally years on this giant project. Our lives, too, have been changed by this endeavour. "Thank you for sending me the Gala DVD. It brought tears to my eyes. An email cannot possibly express my ex- citement at watching it. It has been a day of memories, as I watched the DVD of the British Suzuki Gala this afternoon. Of all the concerts Richard and I attended in the Albert Hall while we lived in London, none was as outstanding as this one. I can never thank you enough for thinking of me and sending the DVD and pro- gramme. (I dreamed the next two nights about teaching in London.) For one thing, the video production, light- ing and camera work was excellent. Most of all, I became really emotional to realise just how much has grown since about eight teachers used to meet around Helen Brunner’s kitchen table in 1973. The sheer mass of qual- ity playing at an advanced level— exactly together, bowing straight and in unison, well in tune with excellent phrasing— was unbelievable, especially the Mendelssohn III, even for me, a lifelong Suzuki Teacher. The logistics of organising 1,300 performers is mind boggling. Although the children spoke 22 different languages, they all spoke the language of music. Maybe Casals was right when he said ‘Perhaps music will save the world.’ I spotted some of my old colleagues: Helen Brunner of course, Caroline Gow- ers and Annette Costanzi who haven’t changed at all, except for the white hair!" Louita started one of the first and finest Suzuki programmes in London at the American School in 1973. and worked in conjunction with the London Suzuki Group until 1980. Louita has frequently returned to Europe as a guest teacher. British Suzuki Institute Gala Concert Letter from Louita Clothier Suzuki Violin/Viola Teacher USA