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Meet Sae Niwa and Sam Quintal from the Jasper String Quartet |
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Home > What's New > Caramoor Blog > Meet Sae Niwa and Sam Quintal from the Jasper String Quartet
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November 16, 2010
“Meet the second half of the Jasper String Quartet: violist Sam Quintal and violinist Sae Niwa!” - Alison Shearer
Sae Niwa - 1st violin
Age: 28
Place of Birth: Fujishiro, Ibaragi, but grew up mostly in Tokyo
Sam Quintal
Age:26
Place of Birth: Fairbanks AK
Why does music matter?
Sae Niwa: For me, one of the most appealing things about music is that it moves, encourages, and heals people's heart. The audiences we play for are always so diverse and varied but are nonetheless moved by beautiful music and art. Music brings people's heart together. Without art and music, life would be miserable and would likely be violent. I believe that music has such great value to people's life.
Sam Quintal: Music matters because it challenges us. It shapes the way we think in ways that we can't describe. It communicates things that there are no words for - emotional things that push our capacities to feel and experience. Most of all, music challenges us to justify its very existence, which I think sheds light on our own existence, which is what it's all about really.
What is it about the setting of a string quartet that you find appealing?
Sae Niwa: There are the degrees of intimacy and understanding that only a quartet can get. There is a perfect balance, a code that allows us to draw inspiration from each other while playing. A quartet is so alive, and playing with one is a thrilling experience for me.
Sam Quintal: I have never been in small startup tech company, so I'm not positive, but I think that playing in a string quartet is analogous to that experience. There is a wonderful exchange of ideas and energy that keeps everyone engaged. It is a very egalitarian environment, and your dependence on your colleagues necessitates a high degree of trust within the group.
Any advice for younger musicians?
Sae Niwa: Enjoy what you do, and do your best with the things that are challenging you. A path will definitely open if you are earnest and enjoying what you do!
Sam Quintal: You don't have to practice every day - just on the days that you eat.
But in all seriousness, it is much more important to be consistent than to spend enormous amounts of time playing. Also listen as much as you can, to as many different performers as you can.
What inspires you?
Sae Niwa: This can be anything—remembering a scene from a movie, an experience from your life...etc.
Sam Quintal: I love mountains, snow, water, modern sculpture, sunlight, wood, etc. I find that it is useful to have as many experiences to draw on as possible. In recent rehearsals I compared separate passages to an unfolding flower and a rugby pass, and I think both were useful.
What are three words you would use to describe yourself?
Sae Niwa: Playful, sensitive, happy :)
Sam Quintal: Tall, Quiet, Craftsman
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