JAPANESE pianist Muroi Mayako performed a commemorative concert in Tokyo on April 7, 11 days ahead of her 100th birthday April 18.

Born in 1921, Mayako began her career as a professional pianist at the age of 24, where she moved to Berlin and subsequently performed concerts in 13 countries throughout her 30s and 50s.

At the age of 99, her playing still exudes great tenderness while sitting by the piano. During the concert, she played one of Ludwig van Beethoven’s most popular compositions “Fur Elise” as well as another one of his famous pieces “Moonlight Sonata.”

Her lyrical and mellow performance drew loud applause from the audience.

During the concert, she talked about how she feels about becoming a centenarian.

She said she has come to understand what is necessary to be a good artist, and that she needs to deepen what is inside herself as a human being.

Despite having played for over 70 years, performing in different parts of the world and being the oldest active pianist in Japan, Mayako explained that her endeavor for perfection in her art requires time to grow and that even 200 years would not be enough to do so.(SD-Agencies)