December 2010

FINA World Swimming Championship Opens with Solo Violinist in Dubai

December 16, 2010 22:49

Dubai threw its arms wide open to the swimming world and Violinist Diana Yukawa as her solo performance marked the opening of the 10th Fina World Swimming Championships (25m) got under at the brand-new Hamdan Bin Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Sports Complex on 15th December.

The opening, that was held in two parts, first witnessed the formal inauguration of the £250 million complex followed by the opening of the championships in the presence of Shaikh Hamdan Bin Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman, Dubai Sports Council and Princess Haya Bint Al Hussain, wife of His Highness Shaikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai.

The ceremony unfolded an artistic tale that begins with the nomadic heritage of the UAE, travelling through the golden sands of the desert and time and concluding with the flourishing of the coastal port of Dubai.

The theme of water, echoed in the Championships' colours of turquoise and aquamarine was central to the opening, showcasing the marriage between sports and culture, while also capturing the traditional Arabic heritage and modern innovation that are the two integral faces of a vibrant and booming Dubai today.

This was followed by the parade of the participating countries — up to a record 153 from the earlier number of 148 — carrying their respective national colours. The cheering crowd was treated to a heavenly sight as solo violinist, Diana Yukawa descended on a special platform, opening the extravaganza whilst acrobats suspended from the roof of the pool formed the backdrop.

Solo Violinist

Video Game Awards Violinist

FINA Swimming Championship

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Solo Violinist Performs Halo Music at 2010 Video Game Awards in LA

December 11, 2010 22:03

Solo Violinist Performs Halo Music at Video Game Awards 2010 in LA

Saturday 11th December saw the young Solo Violinist Diana Yukawa perform live under the dazzling lights of LA’s Convention Centre at the prestigious Spike

Video Game Awards. Taken from Halo Reach for the Xbox 360, the talented violinist played a score written by the critically acclaimed composer Marty O’Donnell, whose work on the Halo trilogy has been hailed as iconic.

The Video Game Awards 2010, hosted by Spike TV, whose male demographic is bigger than channels such as ESPN, MTV and VH1 the event, along with Diana's stunning piece, was broadcast live to over 175 countries all around the world. Being asked to perform a piece of music from one of the most popular gaming trilogies of recent years, let alone the fact that Halo Reach was nominated for The Best Video Game of The Year Award, was an honour for the solo violinist who is accustomed to performing to large audiences live.

Joining past participants that have included the likes of Red Hot Chili Peppers, 50 Cent and the Foo Fighters, the violinists performance really demonstrated how she has pushed the boundaries of her previous work: moving away from more traditional, classical melodies towards a more modern sound that really shows the instruments versatility.

Stunning the audience, the beautiful violinist and her natural flair were an absolute highlight of the VGA’s evening line up. Adding more glamour to proceedings, Diana's performance hinted at the direction her new material that is currently bubbling under in the studio, ready for her forthcoming album.

Due for release in 2011, Diana’s next record will see the young protégé return with an even fresher, more invigorating approach to inspiringly original material. We can only expect that Diana’s experiments with a more modern sound will yield harmonies that are just as, if not more, sumptuous and thrilling than her critically acclaimed discography and this evening’s performance.

Violinist Diana Yukawa

Video Game Awards 2010

Halo Music

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More entries: February 2011 • October 2010