Fumiharu Sumitomo

Fumiharu Sumitomo ，Piano

Born in 1969, he graduated from Kunitachi College of Music Affiliated Music High School and subsequently completed his studies at Kunitachi College of Music, graduating at the top of his class. His career took off in 1991 when he made his debut on NHK-FM and appeared in a newcomer concert sponsored by the Yomiuri Shimbun at the Tokyo Bunka Kaikan.

In 1992, he gained international recognition by being selected for the 5th International List Contest in Italy and winning the grand prize at the 11th Asahi Shimbun Contest for Newcomers. That same year, he was awarded the Kreutzer Prize and invited as a pianist representing Japan to the 2nd Young Prague International Music Festival in the Czech Republic.

His accolades continued in 2000 when he was honored with the "Kinoshita Prize" at the 69th Music Competition of Japan for his outstanding vocal performance.

Beyond his classical pursuits, he frequently collaborates with actors such as Ran Otori, Misako Watanabe, Masaomi Kondo, and Kunio Murai. In 2003, he ventured into film music, providing the score for Naoko Ogigami's films "Barber Yoshino" and "Koi wa 5-7-5!".

In 2007, he released the CD "Oratio -Three Composers' Prayer-", garnering attention from various media outlets and earning a spot as a semi-selected album by the music magazine "Record Geijutsu". He followed this with the release of "Ikuji Sumitomo / Recital - Liszt: Two Legends, Ballad No. 2 in B Minor, Sonata in B Minor, etc." in 2011 and "Oratio 2 -recital 2014-" in 2014, both under Bishop Records.

Throughout his career, he has studied under esteemed mentors including Mikio Ikezawa, Emiko Takei, Dang Thai Son, and the late Henriette Puig-Roger. Alongside his performing career, he is actively involved in teaching younger students at Kunitachi College of Music and is a full member of the All Japan Piano Teachers Association (PTINA).

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