Nobuhito Nakai & Miwako Takeda Piano Duo

Miwako Takeda & Nobuhito Nakai, Piano Duo

Pianoduo Miwako Takeda & Nobuhito Nakai

The only piano duo in Japan, and exceedingly rare worldwide, both individuals have garnered prizes in competitions affiliated with the World Federation of International Music Competitions (WFIMC). Following their graduation from Tokyo University of the Arts and the Graduate School of Music at the University of Music and Performing Arts Munich, the couple furthered their studies at the Salzburg Mozarteum Musikhochschule. Under the tutelage of A. Kontarski, they specialized in piano duo performance.

Forming their duo in 1999, they achieved immediate success by winning a prize at the Murray Dranoff International Double Piano Competition (USA) that same year. This marked the commencement of their extensive duo activities, including a series of recitals across the United States spanning three consecutive days. Back in Japan, they have showcased their talents in numerous piano duo recitals nationwide, earning accolades such as "A true gem of Japanese duos and exemplary musicians of the highest order."

Their prolific collaboration has resulted in the release of six CDs, several of which have been recognized by record art magazines as special choices and semi-special choices. Their latest three CDs are set to be featured on the ANA international audio program. They have made appearances on NHK-BS TV programs such as "Meikyoku Tantei Amadeus" and "Pia no Pia," as well as on FM "Meikyoku Recital." In recognition of their contributions to culture, they were honored with the 2014 Takehiko Kurushima Cultural Award.

In recent years, they have graced music festivals in France and presented numerous recitals in Germany and England, garnering praise in the press with words of the highest acclaim, describing their performances as "musical art worthy of knighthood." They have also participated in and shared their expertise at international music festivals in France, Korea, and China. Both are esteemed Fukoku Seimei partner artists.

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Tsunehito Nakai: Studying in Germany as a DAAD scholarship recipient, he achieved notable success in various prestigious competitions. This includes securing the 3rd prize in the Japan Music Competition, the 2nd prize in the Brahms International Music Competition, along with receiving the Audience Award. Furthermore, he clinched the 1st prize in the Senigallia International Piano Competition, alongside both the chamber music and song accompaniment prizes. His accolades also encompass the 3rd prize in the Viotti International Music Competition '97 (Vercelli), as well as a Diploma from the Prague Spring International Music Competition. Notably, he attained the highest position in the Mavi Marcotte International Piano Competition.

Under the guidance of esteemed mentors such as Morio and Mutsuko Tozawa, Susumu Umetani, Katsumi Ueda, G. Opitz, and K.H. Kenmarling, he honed his craft. His collaboration with numerous orchestras, both domestically and internationally, has been highly acclaimed. This includes performances with the Metropolitan Symphony Orchestra under the baton of G. Bertini, and participation in the Beethoven Piano Concerto Complete Concert (Italy) commemorating the 100th anniversary of W. Kempf's birth. Additionally, he has curated a concert featuring all of Brahms' piano works, spanning solo, duet, and two pianos.

His musical endeavors extend to the realm of recording, with the release of the CD "Brahms". Currently serving as the Toho Gakuen University Piano Section Chief Professor, he also holds the position of Visiting Professor at Nagoya College of Music. 

Miwako Takeda: In the All Japan Student Music Competition High School Division, she secured 1st place in Hokkaido, 2nd place in East Japan, and 3rd place in the Maria Canals International Music Competition, along with a Special Jury Prize. Additionally, she achieved 3rd place in the Viotti International Music Competition '98 (Vercelli). Furthermore, she garnered various awards at international competitions such as the Palma d'Oro, Roma, Mazara del Ballo, Mavi Marcos, and Ennio Polino.

Under the tutelage of Hiro Murata, Kaori Mizuta, Katsumi Ueda, M. Huwenrieder, and A. Kontarski, she honed her skills. She has collaborated with esteemed orchestras such as the Rai Italia National Radio Symphony Orchestra, Oradeaphil (Romania), among others. Notably, her performance of Mozart earned praise from renowned authorities in the field, Mr. I. Hebler and Mr. P. Lang.

She has released CDs including "Miwako Takeda Playlist" and "Cantando Angelico". Currently serving as a lecturer at Ueno Gakuen University, Saitama Prefectural Omiya Koryo High School, and Toho Gakuen University Graduate School, she continues to inspire and educate aspiring musicians.

photo credit

© Toshiaki Yamada