Making Connection Through Music | Keila Wakao | TEDxYouth@BeaconStreet

For Keila Wakao, music was a way for her to cope with the hardest time of her life: her father's diagnosis with cancer. At 11 years old, Keila was overwhelmed by this life-changing news, but playing her violin gave her a way to show her father how much she loved him. In this beautiful talk and performance, Keila shares the beautiful music that helped them both survive. Violinist Keila Wakao, aged 11, began study at the age of three with Mrs. Jan Riggs. Developing rapidly, the late Joseph Silverstein accepted Keila as a student at the age of six. She currently studies with Donald Weilerstein, Soovin Kim, Anait Arutunian, Bela Horvath, and Keisuke Wakao. Despite her young age, Keila has proven herself as a serious, competitive violinist. At the age of seven, she won the Forte International Music Competition (New York, New York). This was followed by 1st place wins at the 8th Yokohama International Music Competition (Japan, 2014), and 1st place at the New York International Competition for Young Artists (New York, 2016). Ms. Wakao performed Mozart’s Concerto in D Major, KV 211 and Meditation from Thais with the Metrowest Symphony Orchestra (2015). Keila appeared with the Waltham Symphony Orchestra as a winner of Young Artist String Competition and also performed with the Ogaki Chamber Orchestra in Japan (2016). She was selected to participate in Julia Fischer’s violin master class and played at the final concert in Tutzing, Germany (January, 2017). Most recently, Keila won the New England Conservatory Prep Concerto Competition and performed as a soloist with the NEC Junior Repertoire Orchestra in the prestigious Jordan Hall in Boston. In her spare time, Keila enjoys reading, drawing, fashion design, and studying the Japanese language. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at www.ted.com/tedx

[@Petergoforth]

Now, four years later, a finalist at the Menuhin Violin Competition. Congratulations to you, Keila, and to your parents!

[@revaamritkar7281]

And winner!!!

[@cir.2042]

Here bec of Menuhin Competition. Keila won first prize! Congratulations! Bravo! 👏👏👏

[@jpcorman202]

Keila was an amazing violinist. I listened to her at Atlee High School.❤

[@dorsarry63]

Your music touches people's hearts, thank you Keila and Congratulations!

[@audreyjohnston6879]

She even talks with rhythm

[@zoes1863]

wow! i just found this! AMAZING JOB KEILA!!!

[@benwong6899]

Congratulations to Keila for winning the 2021 Menuhin Competition Junior Division. What tone, what variety, and that bow arm. What control 😂 Brava!

[@josephotoshi]

5:12 - Keila plays Zigeunerweisen by Sarasate

[@Zero-bu5ry]

I think she played quite decent!

[@richlook1]

Wonderful! We just met your parents in New Orleans last week. They are so proud of you, and with good reason.

[@beatamondong9907]

Who’s here after the Menuhin Competition Junior Finals?
Also, CONGRATULATIONS KEILA!!! Well-deserved victory indeed. I fell in love with your playing. May your musical journey be more fruitful,☺️.

[@irvinnguyen6485]

I ammm

[@audreyli09]

Who came here from TwoSetViolin?

[@neilrowe119]

Congrats on Menuhin win. Plus how’s the squeaky pedal? in this one lol

[@MrFirefox411]

This is the first prize winner of the Menuhin Junior Competition Richmond 2021

[@jackburgess274]

Keila is one of the very best young violinists in the world, but it is hard to decide which is more impressive - her performances or this speech.

[@joeldesilets9117]

So blessed to have the opportunity to hear Keila's story live! Congrats Keila :)

[@maggies1803]

OMG KEILA you are so amazing!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@mahow4777]

圭良ちゃん、スピーチも演奏も素晴らしかったです。辛い時期を良く乗り越えましたね！

[@amos776]

Really happy for you Keila!!

[@user-in9bv7dq8p]

頑張ったね❗️
将来を　楽しみにしています。
Im proud of you❗️

[@christinanicolson5988]

... Such an artistic way to express devotion for your father! Bravissimo, Kaila.---Mrs. Nic

[@Francois0728]

Thank you for so much beauty...

[@erik5143]

Congratulations on winning Menuhin!!!

[@unconventionalgriffin6957]

Who is here from Menuhin?

[@Francois0728]

Wow

[@mikelin4416]

The way you play violin touched me. Congratulations to you, and hope you apply for Juilliard and get in...

[@laurengauvin2429]

CONGRATS KEILA!!

[@alanamarre1771]

YAY KEILA!!!!!!!!!

[@avajennifer1116]

YAY KEILA!!!!

[@ijuju5631]

KEILA CONGRATULATIONS!!! ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

[@123Latko]

Gratulacje za zajęcie 1 miejsca w konkursie Menuhina !!!

[@beep3639]

Anyone here after watching TwoSetViolins?

[@reaganb6013]

who's here after she won the menuhin competition?