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Mari Kumamoto
Mari Kumamoto (熊本 マリ, born October 15, 1964) is a Japanese-born professional pianist known for her recordings of Spanish and Japanese composers. Early lifeBorn in Tokyo, Japan, Kumamoto began piano studies at the age of five. At age ten, she moved with her family to Madrid, Spain and began studies with Joaquin Soriano at the Madrid Royal Conservatory. In 1975 she was awarded the top prize in the young pianists competition. CareerStudies abroad and awardsIn 1982, Kumamoto was awarded a special scholarship to study at Juilliard School of Music under professor Sascha Gorodnitzki. In 1985, she enrolled at Royal Academy of Music in London and was awarded a recital diploma. She won many prizes including the top prize at the Newport International Piano Competition which was awarded by Diana, Princess of Wales. Return to JapanIn 1986, Kumamoto returned to Japan and started a career focusing on the piano music of Spanish composer Federico Mompou (1893-1987). She was the first pianist to record his entire piano repertoire. She later translated Mompou's biography Música Callada.[1] Concert toursIn 1994, Kumamoto embarked on an international concert series performing with the Czech Philharmonic Orchestra at its New Year's Eve concert. She also performed with Josef Suk and the Suk Chamber Orchestra, which was repeated in Japan same year. In 1996, Kumamoto held a recital in Spain, as a participant of "Japan Week”. Since then Kumamoto has given yearly solo and ensemble recitals with a special emphasis on Spanish and Latin American repertoire and Japanese composers including Hajime Okumura whose music reflects the traditional melodies of Japanese folk songs. Her most recent concerts[as of?] include a tour in Egypt with the Cairo Opera Orchestra followed by a recital tour in Jordan and Alexandria. In June 2012 she was invited to perform recitals and concerts with the Venezuela Symphony Orchestra. This was followed by concerts in Argentina with the Esteban Morgado Quartet. Discography
Publications
Teaching appointmentAppointed in 2010, Kumamoto is currently Professor of Music in Piano Performance at Osaka University of Arts. She is a jury member of José Iturbi International Piano Competition. References
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