Sitting on a comfy couch at the classy Blue Nile Ethiopian Restaurant in Toronto, Pianist Girma Yifrashewa greets fans . While flickering his eyes to the side some times to watch the projected video of his own music, Girma attentively listens to every one at the table. That was a small farewell gathering for the Ethiopian classic music genius Girma Yifrashewa in Toronto . As he was flanked by his fellow music legends Martha Ashagari and Fantahun Shewankochew, Girma displayed a persona that resonates his type of music, classic .
Girma was born and raised in Addis Ababa . He started music by playing the one string Ethiopian music instrument, Kirar until he shifted to piano which he mastered at later age . He recieved masters degree in piano in Italy and thought Piano at Yared Music University in Addis Ababa .
Yifrashewa is a well respected name in the classic music industry and has been invited to tour in several countries promoting Ethiopian classic music. His recent tour brought him to Canada. I interviewed Girma for my column , “Five Questions with Johnny ” ethiofidel.com .
Johnny : Welcome and What brings you to Canada ?
Girma Yifrashewa: came to Canada through the invitation of Music and Beyond , one of the very well known summers festivals for classical music ,to give a piano concert which took place in Ottawa on July 15 2017 .
The reaction from the audience was amazing .
Johnny: My audiences and follwers at ethiofidel wants to know you and understand your music.
Girma Yifrashewa: I am an Ethiopian musician (pianist )who studied western classical music in Europe and also a composer of original Ethiopian music for piano and orchestra .
I am also a concert pianist !
Johnny :What would be your best music ever and why you pick that particular pieace ?
Girma Yifrashewa: my best type of music is music in the classical category and also listen all types of music . From the classical music world I always love to listen and play more music by F.Chopin a polish romantic composer and pianist .
Johnny :How many albums did you produce so far? And what project are you working on right now ?
Girma Yifrashewa: Sofar I have produced more than five albums .Right now I am working on a new composition which I would love to introduce to my audiences in the very near future .
Johnny: when are you going to have a show in Toronto?
Girma Yifrashewa : I am planing to have a Show in Toronto in few months time depending on the organizers.
Thanks Yohannes !
Read more about my guest Girma Yifrashewa on http://girmayifrashewa.com
