Internationally renowned pianist Noriko Ogawa was recently appointed as a Cultural Ambassador of the National Autistic Society (NAS) UK, for her devoted activities for Jamie’s Concerts. She will perform an evening concert on 9 April at St Peter's, Eaton Square, London, as part of the Eaton Square Concerts Spring 2015 series. The concert will help raise awareness about autism and Jamie's concerts and will also be an official launch of Noriko as a Cultural Ambassador for the National Autistic Society. Details of the concert are as follows:

Thursday 09 April 2015, 7.30pm

Noriko Ogawa, Piano Programme:
RAVEL: Pavane pour une infante defunte
RAVEL: Le Tombeau de Couperin
--- Interval ---
RACHMANINOV: Vocalise
RACHMANINOV: Etudes Tableaux, Op. 39, No. 1,5,6,9
CHOPIN: Andante Spianato & Grande Polonaise Brillante Op.22

Noriko Ogawa is beloved for her “ravishingly poetic playing”. In particular her interpretations of French and Russian repertoire, which she presents for us in an evening of Ravel and Rachmaninov. This special concert launches her new role a Cultural Ambassador for the National Autistic Society in support of her project ‘Jamie’s Concerts’, which puts on concerts for carers of autistic children.

Noriko Ogawa created Jamie’s Concerts in 2004, after lodging in the UK with Janice Mather and her son Jamie, who has severe autism. It became clear to Noriko that when Janice was calm Jamie was calmer too; and the seeds of Jamie’s Concerts were planted.

In April and May 2015, the Japanese pianist Noriko Ogawa will give her next two Jamie's Concerts in the UK - one in Manchester and one in London. Jamie's concerts are designed specifically for parents and carers of children with autism (though these are also open to people interested in autism).

The aim of these unique events is to give carers the rare chance to relax and listen to the music in a supportive and calm environment as well as provide the opportunity for carers to meet other carers.

"Jamie’s Concerts are designed to fit in with the busy timetables of parents and carers of children and adults with autism, to be a sanctuary of sorts. I wanted to offer a brief respite for hardworking people devoted to their children. To be able to relax and unwind is rare for many of those caring for children and adults with autism and it is my hope that these concerts offer a little calm, a chance to regroup then go forward with renewed spirit and strength," said Ms Ogawa.

The first 2015 Jamie's Concert will be on 22 April in the Barbirolli Room at The Bridgewater Hall, Manchester, as part of the hall’s Ravel and Rachmaninov festival of which Noriko is associate artist. The second will be on 5 May at Milton Court Concert Hall, Guildhall School, London.


For more information, please visit the following websites:
http://uk.jamiesconcerts.com/
http://www.norikoogawa.co.uk/

JICC