Fumino Ando

Violin

At this very moment …

we would find Fumino practicing Ashtanga Yoga with deep breathing, or just sitting up straight on her favorite Black Yoga matt. "It's the best matt ever...thick, soft to the touch, and it won't slip!"

On the CD player …

we would find home-made CDs of her friends' Alkansa's folk band: 'Still on the Hill'. "They are really fantastic musicians and creators … who have amazingly pure soul, living such a simple life." Other favorites are Yo-Yo Ma's 'Silk Road;' Zamfir (Pan Flute) recordings; and 10 different recordings of Bach solo violin sonatas.

In the kitchen …

we would find Japanese style vegetable curry with steamed rice, canned sardines in a soy-based sauce, apple slices and berries dipped in yogurt, and home-made chocolate cake from a friend.

On the music stand …

Bach solo sonatas and partitas, Fritz Kreisler recital pieces, some Japanese folk songs arranged for violin and koto (a traditional Japanese instrument), and Khachatrian's trio for clarinet, violin and piano. All are on her joint concerts with her colleagues in the coming months.

And on the nightstand …

"Indirect Procedures" by Pedro de Alcantara. "It's a musician's guide to the Alexander Technique. I know the author personally. This book became my bible not only as a musician, but also as a human being trying to live and express myself naturally." Another book is on finger pressure therapy for well-being, with many illustrations.

Before you left …

Fumino would be sure to show you a photo of her wearing a Kimono, taken six years ago. "I had very long hair at that time. Can you imagine???"