Kenji Watanabe,Piano
Born in 1954, he graduated from Nagoya Municipal Kikusato High School's Music Course before pursuing further studies at Tokyo University of the Arts and its graduate school. His remarkable talent earned him 1st place at the 43rd Japan Music Competition, prompting him to continue his education at the Liszt Conservatory in Hungary from 1978 to 1983. During his time there, he achieved success at prestigious competitions including the Munich International Music Competition, the 1st Japan International Music Competition, and the Liszt-Bartok International Competition.
Deeply inspired by Liszt's intricate compositions and profound musicality, he dedicated himself to exploring the spiritual depths of Liszt's works while also advocating for the recognition of Bartok's contributions to music. As a leading authority on Liszt and Bartok in Japan, he actively performs, contributes to music publications, delivers lectures, and serves as a judge in various competitions. Notably, since 2005, he has been instrumental in the publication of the Liszt Piano Works Series, providing invaluable insights and performance advice to aspiring musicians.
His significant contributions to Hungarian music culture and fostering cultural exchange between Japan and Hungary have been acknowledged with prestigious honors such as the Liszt Memorial Medal in 1986 and the Hungarian State Order of Merit Officer's Cross in 2018. Additionally, he received the Sky Day Art Award in 1992.
A prominent figure in Japan's musical landscape, he holds key positions including Director of the Kawai Sound Technology and Music Foundation, Vice Chairman and Managing Director of the Japan Piano Education Federation, Chairman of the Japan Solfeggio Research Council, Vice Chairman of the Japan Society for Musical Arts Management, and Technical Advisor of Kawai Musical Instruments Manufacturing.
Throughout his career, he has served as a judge for esteemed competitions such as the Music Competition of Japan, All Japan Student Music Competition, and the Liszt-Bartok International Piano Competition. Notably, he chaired the jury for the 2019 Bartok International Music Competition.
Having previously held significant administrative roles at Tokyo University of the Arts, including Director from 2005 to 2016 and Vice President from 2005 to 2013, he retired in March 2021. Presently, he shares his expertise as a teacher at the Junior Academy of Tokyo University of the Arts, while also serving as a part-time lecturer at Hokkaido University and professor emeritus at Tokyo University of the Arts.
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photo credit
©Ayane Shindo