Sunday Service 10:45 AM
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EMANUEL UNITED CHURCH OF CHRIST IN WOODHAVEN IS THRILLED TO WELCOME OUR NEW ORGANIST AND MUSICAL DIRECTOR MAYU SAEKI...

 

Mayu Saeki is a Japanese-born flutist, pianist, composer, recording artist, bandleader, and educator.

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After earning her Master of Music degree in 1998, she began her career as a performer and teacher in Tokyo, later moving to New York in 2009. She has performed with NEA Jazz Master Chico Hamilton, Grammy winner Arturo O’Farrill, Celtic Voices, and others. In 2018, she released her debut album HOPE on BJURecords, and from 2019–2022 was named among the Top 10 flutists in the DownBeat Critics Poll. Her artistry has earned international recognition, including endorsement by Trevor James Flutes and membership as a Recording Academy voting member.

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Her versatility extends to musical theater, with credits in Fiddler on the Roof in Yiddish, Miss Saigon, and The Secret Garden, performing on flutes and piano. She has collaborated with Broadway actors, served as principal flute for Opera Next Door’s Così fan tutte, and appeared with the Philharmonia Orchestra at Carnegie Hall in 2025. She also serves as organist at Emanuel United Church of Christ in Queens, NY.

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An educator for over 25 years, Mayu has taught piano and flute at summer programs for Texas A&M and Arizona State, and in 2023 was a guest speaker at the University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music. She currently teaches at Jazz House Kids and in public school programs through ThinkingCap. She is dedicated to inspiring students by connecting musical training with professional and life experience.

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www.mayusaekimusic.com

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There is a wonderful opportunity for members of Emanuel and the Woodhaven community to study music with this master musician.  She can be contacted at​

MayuSaekiMusic@gmail.com for lessons.