Young Recitalists I - Makito Mizushima
Makito Mizushima - organist
15-year-old Makito Mizushima has been learning both the organ and the cello through the Suzuki Method since a young age. Initially with his father, renown Suzuki teacher Mr Takao Mizushima, then weekly lessons from David Clark in Cooranbong. A keen organist, Makito has travelled miles to take a part in masterclasses and private lessons, including lessons with Christa Ramsey in Tasmania and the late David Ramsey in Switzerland.
Over the years, Makito has won numerous awards at the Sydney Organ Competition, namely 1st Prize in the Junior Division in 2016. He is also a keen and regular participant in various organ academies and workshops.
He has been privileged to play solo pieces on the renowned pipe organs at St Andrew’s Cathedral, the Sydney Town Hall and the Sydney Opera House.
Makito also enjoys composing and analysing music. Music aside, he enjoys studying science, mathematics and creating computer games in his spare time.
My Balmain Organ Ramble in 2013 written by Makito Mizushima (when he was 10yrs old!)
On a sunny, cloudless day on the 14th of September, I went to the Balmain Organ Ramble. A Ramble is when you go and play different organs in various places, mostly churches. This is what happened:
St Mary’s Anglican Church: Firstly, I went to this church and played the Prelude IV by Johann Krebs. This church is relatively small and quite old with nice stained-glass windows. I had heard something about certain stops that weren’t working on this organ but it was enjoyable to play. It was however rather difficult pressing the keys and pedals though, and it felt like concrete! I actually couldn’t play a pedal note at one time!
St John’s Anglican Church: This was the second church I visited on the ramble. This organ is larger than the one at St Mary’s. The pipes were shiny and tall! I played Ein ’Churchfeste Burg (A Mighty Fortress) arranged by Johann Christoph Bach. The keys and pedals weren’t so hard this time, and I found it easier to play. There also was a white cat around the church! I then had a lunch break.
St Andrew’s Congregational Church: After lunch, we went to St Andrew’s Congregational Church. There were many interesting paintings and pictures on the walls, and there was even a mediaeval helmet hanging from the ceiling. The pipes on the organ were decorated with pretty flowers. When I played the Prelude from Te Deum by M-A Charpentier however, the keys and pedals were too soft and I just couldn’t get my articulation right! Overall I enjoyed playing this organ though. Behind me was a blue curtain, as if I could take a shower and bath and change! (Of course, I didn’t)
Campbell Street Presbyterian Church: This was the final stop on the Balmain Organ Ramble. The organ in this church is quite big. I played “Ode to Joy” there. Just like the St John’s, the keys and pedals were “Goldilocks”, not too hard and not too soft. The stained-glass windows were letting in red, green, and blue coloured light, which created a beautiful atmosphere. It was so colourful it almost looked like a disco party!