It feels like this year is the piano year, with so many big competitions like Queen Elisabeth, Cliburn, ARD, and Busoni happening. There are many opportunities for pianists this year! Have you already thought about your next competition?
I’m hoping to challenge myself with some big competitions, but I have not decided anything just yet.
What are your future dreams? Do you want to live abroad or stay in Japan?
I’ve never lived abroad, so I’m not sure how that would feel. At this stage, I’m not really thinking about any place in particular. As long as I can continue playing the piano and improve every day, that’s what’s most important to me.
That said, I am rather interested in Germany. After completing my Master´s here in Japan, I might go to study there.
Has winning the Hamamatsu Competition already led to concert opportunities?
Yes, a tour has been arranged and I’ll be performing as a soloist with orchestra around 20 times. I’ve never had much experience with concertos, so I’m looking forward to gaining more through this tour. I also have international performances planned in London, as well as a number of recitals. In terms of repertoire, I’ll be playing Beethoven No. 1, 2, 3, and 4, as well as Mozart’s D minor, Schumann, and Chopin’s Concerto No. 2.
But besides all these concerts, I will also have a performance together with Noriko Ogawa, who was chair woman at the Hamamatsu. I am really looking forward to play together with her!
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