Trio Japan

A new trio formed by three soloists at the heart of the classical music world. Yasunao Ishida, principal violinist of the Kanagawa Philharmonic Orchestra and a soloist enjoying unwavering popularity; Makito Nishitani, who served as principal cellist of the Tokyo Symphony Orchestra before pursuing a solo career; and Takashi Sato, winner of the Schubert International Competition First Prize, active in chamber music, composition, and arrangement. A new piano trio featuring artists with distinct personalities, formidable skill, and widespread popularity.

 

＜Member Profiles＞

Yasunao Ishida, Violin

Graduated top of his class from Kunitachi College of Music, simultaneously receiving the Yatabe Prize. After serving as concertmaster of the Shinsei Nippon Symphony Orchestra, he became Solo Concertmaster of the Kanagawa Philharmonic Orchestra in 2001. Since then, he has become the “face of the Kanagawa Philharmonic” and currently shoulders the important responsibility as Principal Solo Concertmaster. He has received the Kanagawa Cultural Award Future Prize and the Yokohama Cultural Award for Culture and Arts Encouragement. He also shines uniquely in various ensembles, including the YAMATO String Quartet, which he joined at its founding, and “Ishida-gumi,” an all-male string ensemble he produced. Since April 2020, he has concurrently served as Special Guest Concertmaster of the Kyoto Symphony Orchestra. His latest album, “PIAZZOLA LIVE,” was released in December 2021. In June 2022, he published his first book, “Before Being a Musician, Be Human!” His instruments are a 1690 G. Tononi and a 1726 M. Goffriller.

 

Makito Nishiya, Cello

Born in Nara Prefecture. After graduating from Tokyo University of the Arts and its graduate school, he furthered his studies at Indiana University in the United States. He has studied under Fumiaki Kono, Tomoya Kikuchi, Tsuyoshi Tsutsumi, and János Starker. Returned to Japan in 2005 and served as a founding member of the Hyogo Performing Arts Center Orchestra led by Yutaka Sado (until 2008). His diverse performance activities include appearances with the Yasuko Otani String Quartet, Ryota Komatsu Tango Orchestra, Kirishima International Music Festival, the hardcore string ensemble “Ishida-gumi,” Tokyo Grand Soloists, and TV Asahi's “Music Without a Title.” In 2015, he formed the self-composed and self-performed string unit “Shimizu Nishitani,” making his CD debut with “KODO,” featuring an all-original repertoire. He received the 2013 Aoyama Music Award. He served as a part-time lecturer at Tokyo University of the Arts from 2008 to 2016 and as Principal Cellist of the Tokyo Symphony Orchestra from 2008 to 2019. He currently performs across genres, from Bach to jazz, tango, and his own compositions. Since 2021, he has also served as a part-time lecturer at Aichi Prefectural University of the Arts. In June 2022, he released his solo album “STORY.”

 

Takashi Sato, Piano

Born in Akita City. Won first prize at the Japan Music Competition in 2001 while still in high school. After graduating at the top of his class from Tokyo University of the Arts, he traveled to Europe to study at the Hanover University of Music, Drama and Media and the University of Music and Performing Arts Vienna. During this period, he won numerous awards, including first prize at the 2007 Schubert International Competition, a prize at the 2010 Queen Elisabeth International Competition, and first prize at the 2011 Cantu International Competition. In addition to major European concert halls such as the Vienna Musikverein, she gave a solo recital at the Dar Al-Assad Cultural and Artistic Center in Damascus, Syria, in 2011. She has performed with orchestras including the NHK Symphony Orchestra, Tokyo Symphony Orchestra, Japan Philharmonic Orchestra, Osaka Symphony Orchestra, Hiroshima Symphony Orchestra, Sydney Symphony Orchestra, and the Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra. Since releasing his solo debut album “La Campanella: A Collection of Pearl-Like Piano Pieces” (Nami Records) in 2007, he has also focused on recording activities, releasing numerous CDs in Japan and Europe. Since 2014, he has been developing the “Takashi Sato Schubert Cycle,” undertaking the performance of Schubert's complete piano works as his life's work. He is active in a wide range of fields including chamber music and composition/arrangement.