Violinist Sora Iwai performs at Carnegie Hall

Twelve-year-old violinist Sora Iwai, from Kumamoto Prefecture, Japan, performed at Carnegie Hall in New York on August 1. Iwai's performance followed his receipt of the First Grand Award in the Junior division of the Manhattan International Music Competition.

Iwai performed Franz Waxman’s “Carmen Fantasie” accompanied by Spanish pianist Felix Ardanaz. Ardanaz praised the young musician, stating, “He really understands the emotion of Carmen Fantasie,” and noted his incredible musicality for his age.

The performance took place shortly after a major earthquake struck Kumamoto on July 28, which reached a seismic intensity of 7. Iwai, who was practicing at home when the quake occurred the day before his scheduled departure for the U.S., noted, “I felt I had to do my part, too,” while expressing his desire to return home to check on the safety of his friends and family.