Masayo Higuchi

Viola

At this moment …

We would find Masayo at the farmers’ market.  “It’s one of my favorite things to do in Portland. I take a walk to the market every Saturday morning and enjoy purchasing the fresh, local products.”

On the CD player …

“It might sound strange, but I usually listen to classical Cd’s just for reference. I prefer going to live performances for classical music. But I also enjoy listening to non-classical music, like Thelonious Monk, Stephane Grappelli and Bob Dylan.”

In the kitchen …

“When I was a student in Cincinnati, I frequently made sushi for potlucks and baked cakes or pastries for friends’ birthdays. After I moved to Portland, I started using local products from the farmers’ market. Pasta and salad are one of the best ways to taste their fresh flavor. It’s also quick and healthy.”

On the music stand …

Bartok viola concertos and Bach solo suites are always on Masayo’s music stand. “It’s good to keep practicing these pieces as standard repertoire because they are the most requested pieces for violists on many occasions.”

On the night stand …

“It would be better for me to read books written in English, but it wakes up my brain. So before I go to sleep, I prefer reading Japanese books. I spend a lot of time at Powell’s looking for good ones.”

Before you left …

Masayo would show you her Fire-King and old Pyrex collections. “I love milk glass products from the ’60s and ’70s because of their adorable design, vivid color variations, and the characteristic texture. Usually you can only find them at antique shops or garage sales. I only buy ones that are in good condition, so it’s like a treasure hunt.”