Maestro Daniel Hege conducting the Binghamton Philharmonic on September 27, 2025.
Lily Tierney has published a dazzling review of the Philharmonic's 2025-2026 Opening Night concert, “Heroic Journeys,” in Pipe Dream.
Tierney writes:
[Piano soloist Tomoko] Kanamaru connected with the music as her body moved with the notes and her facial expressions danced to the music’s tone. Her hands constantly moved as she often opened her palms to the sky or beckoned to the orchestra. Each motion became open ended, almost gesturing for fate to dictate the journey.
The audience was captivated by her synchronicity along with the music — the silence in the theater was nothing short of electric. Kanamaru held onto every note and the audience did the same under her spell. As the piece concluded, the audience shot to their feet for a cacophonous standing ovation. She bowed, her face and outfit shining under the lights, exiting the stage before reappearing for an encore.