Pianist Akane MATSUMURA
Born on March 30, 1981 in Tokushima, Japan, Ms. Akane MATSUMURA began piano lessons at the age of four under the direction of Professor Toshiko Kosai. Attended "The Music High School attached to the Faculty of Music, Tokyo National University of Fine Arts and Music" and studied under Professor Haruo Kometani, graduating in 1999. Two years later, in 2001, was accepted into The Juilliard School and trained under the renowned pianist and Professor Herbert Stessin, graduating with a Bachelor of Music in May 2006. In 1995, won a prize at the 11th Piano Audition, B category, held by the Japan Piano Education Association and participated in the subsequent concert as a prizewinner. In the same year, competed in the 19th Piano Competition, presented by the Piano Teacher's National Association of Japan. Was awarded the second prize in the F class, the Yomiuri Newspaper Award, and the Senzoku Gakuen Maeda Award and participated in the subsequent concert as a prizewinner. In this following year and the same competition, was awarded a prize in the G class, and in 1998, a prize in the Special class. In 2003, awarded first prize at the 13th ABC Shinjin Audition, held by ABC Music Foundation, and participated in the subsequent ABC Fresh Concert. In 2009, awarded second prize of the Bradshaw & Buono International Piano Competition in USA. Received several competition diplomas, including at the 13th Premio Mauro Paolo Monopoli International Piano Competition in Italy, the 14th Cantu International Competition for Piano and Orchestra in Italy, and the 1st Bosendorfer International Piano Competition in Bulgaria. As a chamber music player, awarded second prize (without first prize) at The International Chamber Music Competition Assisi in Italy, Swiss Composition Prize at the 29Th National Instrumental-Trios Geraldine Whittaker Preis competition, also finalist of The 3rd European Chamber Music Competition Karlsruhe in Germany. Has actively given solo and chamber concerts throughout Japan, including Mozart 32 Concertos Concert Vol. 3, presented by Piano Teacher's National Association of Japan, and a Joint Concert at The Ashikaga High School attached to The Hakuou University (recommended from The Music High School Attached to the Faculty of Music Tokyo National University of Fine Arts and Music) in 1998. Additionally, gave performances at The Juilliard School, Steinway Hall (NY), Kosciuszko Foundation Auditorium (NY) and numerous places in Europe and south America. Appeared as a soloist with the Tokyo Academia Symphonica, the Century Orchestra Osaka, the Basel Academy Student Orchestra, and so on. Has studied solfège under Riyo Takeuchi, Takashi Matsuoka, Yutaka Takahashi, piano under Toshiko Kosai, Haruo Kometani, Edward Zolas, Herbert Stessin, Edith Fischer, chamber music under Martin Canin, Jacob Lateiner, Gerard Wyss and piano duo with 4 hands / 2 pianos under Baruch Arnon.Currently studying under Professor Adrian Oetiker at Musik-Akademie der Stadt Basel (Concert Diplom,2006-2009), (Solist Diplom-Master of Arts,2009-2011).