Pianist Uehara conferred with Francois Perregaux Award
Virtuous pianist Hiromi Uehara was awarded the 2nd Edition of the Francois Perregaux Award by Girard-Perregaux’s CEO Antonio Calce at an event held recently in Tokyo.
“We are happy to reward Hiromi Uehara, virtuous pianist whose talent succeeds to touch our contemporaries and the future generations while preserving the tradition with creativity, energy and innovation,” stated Antonio Calce, Girard-Perregaux’s CEO, during the ceremony.
The award instituted in memory of François Perregaux (1834~1877), member of the Girard-Perregaux family and the first Swiss watchmaker to ever set foot on Japanese soil pays tribute to individuals who embody a strong pioneering spirit at a world class level; one that goes beyond mere convention.
Driven by avant-garde ideas of the pioneers who have forged its renown since 1791, the Manufacture is behind major innovations in the world of high watchmaking. The winner, who embodies that spirit has the privilege to be rewarded with an exclusive timepiece. Last year, Eiji Kawashima was presented as the first winner of the award for his honourable effort as a Japanese goal keeper in Europe.
Hiromi Uehara’s ability of delivering incredible poetic performances with the use of her bare hands can be compared to the art of high watchmaking. Uehara’s enduring passion to the music and the challenges she had to face remind us of François Perregaux’s efforts to promote Swiss watches in Japan. In celebration of her enduring spirit, Girard-Perregaux awarded Hiromi Uehara a dedicated unique timepiece of Cat’s Eye collection.
In addition to the unique piece for Hiromi Uehara, two special pieces to celebrate Hiromi Uehara’s talent highlighting the inspiring world of jazz music have been unveiled.
Two special Cat’s Eye models are available in a very limited edition. 7 pieces in pink gold, and 24 pieces in stainless steel. Each timepiece is unique. The pink gold model has a dial adorn with selected poetical musical notes of “Place to be”, a song presented in 2009 by the artist. This song was recognized with an award at the 43rd Jazz Disc Award hosted by “Swing Journal”, and earned the prize for Jazz Album of the Year at Billbord Japan Music Award in 2009.
