Yukari Arai

Yukari Arai ，Piano

Following the completion of her master's course at Tokyo University of the Arts and its graduate school, Takashi furthered her musical education at the Geneva Conservatory of Music in Switzerland, where she earned a soloist diploma. During her time abroad, she showcased her exceptional talent at prestigious music festivals such as the Chopin Festival in Paris and in recital series, collaborating with orchestras. Takashi's remarkable abilities have been recognized with numerous awards, including the 3rd prize at the 7th Monopoli International Piano Competition in Italy, where she also received the Asian Award.

Back in Japan, Takashi has been actively engaged in various performances and events, including the Young Virtuoso Series by Steinway Japan Co., Ltd., debut concert series at Sogakudo of the former Tokyo Music School, and appearances at La Folle Journée au Japon, among others. Notably, she was selected as a Chanel "Pygmalion Days" series artist in 2007 and registered as an artist in 2012 and 2013 for the Regional Creation “Public Hall Music Revitalization Project”.

Takashi's collaborative spirit shines through her recordings and performances with renowned instrumentalists, both domestically and internationally, starting with a CD release featuring the legendary violinist Ida Handel in March 2009. She has received acclaim, including two special prizes (co-starring award [violin category]) at the Music Competition of Japan. Her solo debut CD "Melancholy" (released under the Steinway label) was recognized as one of the "3 CDs of the Month" by the Mainichi Shimbun newspaper. She also released "Transparent Wind ~ Ravel Piano Masterpieces".

Throughout her musical journey, Takashi has benefited from the guidance of esteemed mentors such as Keiko Ueno, Shuji Tanaka, Kenji Watanabe, the late Halina Czerny-Stefanska, and Dominic Merle for piano studies, as well as Keiko Urushibara and Reiko Honjo for chamber music. Her commitment to musical education is evident through her roles as an Accompaniment Assistant at Tokyo University of the Arts (2007-2009: String Instrument Department / 2010-2012: Wind Instrument Department) and as a Part-time Lecturer at Senzoku Gakuen College of Music Piano Department.

Steinway artist.

photo credit

© Earl Anfini