#Japan #Tokyo #Michiaki Ueno #Michio Kobayashi #Kitato Pia Festival

Michiaki Ueno's 5-String Cello Debut in Tokyo's Kitato Pia

Michiaki Ueno, a rising star in the classical music scene and the first Japanese winner of the Geneva International Music Competition in the cello category, is set to introduce his inaugural 5-string cello recital at the Kitato Pia International Music Festival 2025. This highly anticipated performance will take place on October 10, 2025, at the Kitato Pia Sakura Hall in Tokyo’s Kita Ward, featuring accompaniment from the distinguished pianist Michio Kobayashi.

The 5-string cello, distinguished from the traditional 4-string cello by an additional higher string, allows for greater versatility in musical expression. Ueno, celebrated for his masterful cello abilities, has crafted a program that not only showcases Bach's Cello Suite No. 6, but also embraces some of the most popular works in violin literature, including Brahms' Violin Sonata No. 1, Op. 78 known as Rain Song.

The duo will navigate through a repertoire that includes Bach’s works performed on the harpsichord by Kobayashi, who has been influential in the field of Bach performance in Japan, alongside Schubert and Brahms on a 19th-century fortepiano. The concert promises to be a remarkable exploration of melody as Ueno’s cello narrates the stories intertwined with Kobayashi’s expert piano accompaniment.

Program Highlights

• - J.S. Bach: Cello Suite No. 6 in D Major, BWV 1012
• - Schubert: Arpeggione Sonata in A minor, D821
• - J.S. Bach: Viola da Gamba Sonata No. 3 in G Minor, BWV 1029
• - Brahms: Violin Sonata No. 1 in G Major, Op. 78 Rain Song

Artist Profiles

Michiaki Ueno (Cello):
In 2021, Ueno gained international acclaim by winning the Geneva International Music Competition’s cello category and three special awards. He has achieved remarkable success in various international competitions, gaining recognition as the youngest winner of the Tchaikovsky International Competition for Young Musicians and first place at the Romanian International Music Competition. Ueno has collaborated with prestigious orchestras such as the Warsaw Philharmonic, the Russian National Orchestra, and the NHK Symphony Orchestra. He studied under renowned cellist Gary Hoffman at the Queen Elisabeth Music Chapel in Belgium. His instruments include an A. Stradivarius ‘Feuermann’ from 1730 and a P.A. Testore from 1758, currently lent to him for his performances.

Michio Kobayashi (Harpsichord/Fortepiano):
Kobayashi, a graduate of the Tokyo University of the Arts, has enjoyed an illustrious career since winning the Rookie Award at the Mainichi Music Prize in 1956. His collaborations with world-class musicians across various genres have established him as a leading figure in the interpretation of classical music in Japan. Kobayashi’s expertise spans harpsichord and fortepiano, with performances alongside artists such as Dietrich Fischer-Dieskau and the Berlin Philharmonic under Herbert von Karajan.

Event Details

• - Title: Michiaki Ueno & Michio Kobayashi Duo Recital - From J.S. Bach to Schubert and Brahms
• - Date: October 10, 2025
• - Venue: Kitato Pia Sakura Hall, 1-11-1 Oji, Kita City, Tokyo
• - Doors Open: 18:20 | Concert Starts: 19:00

Ticket Information

• - General Admission: ¥4,500
• - Under 25: ¥2,000 (valid ID required)
• - Children under school age are not permitted entry.

Tickets can be purchased through Confetti. For ticket purchase procedures and membership benefits, visit Confetti Ticket Service.

Join us for a spectacular evening filled with enchanting music that showcases the exceptional talents of Michiaki Ueno and Michio Kobayashi, as they present a unique blend of baroque and romantic classics!