World-renowned Japanese pianist Noriko Ogawa will give music lovers a rare treat when she performs in Brisbane this Wednesday, October 10.
Famous for her interpretations of Debussy and Takemitsu, she will play a repertoire from these master composers.
A living legend in Japan, Ogawa has a devoted following in the United Kingdom and spends more than half the year in Europe.
In 1999 she was awarded the Japanese Ministry of Education’s Art Prize in recognition of her outstanding contribution to the cultural profile of Japan throughout the world.
She records regularly for the BBC as recitalist and soloist, gives chamber recitals and appears with all the major UK, European, Japanese and US orchestras.
Queensland Conservatorium Director Professor Peter Roennfeldt said he was delighted Noriko Ogawa was performing in the 2007 Kawai Keyboard Series at the QPAC Concert Hall.
“This year the Conservatorium is welcoming three eminent pianists from island countries in the Asia-Pacific region – Gao Ping from China, now based in New Zealand, and Balinese pianist Ananda Sukarlan,” he said.
“The connection with Japan is also timely for 2007, as it is not only the 50th anniversary of the establishment of the Queensland Conservatorium, but also the 80th anniversary of the establishment of the Kawai piano company.
“Ms Ogawa was the favoured interpreter of the piano works of Toru Takemitsu, by far the best known 20th century composer from Japan, and often referred to as the ‘Japanese Debussy’.
“She will perform works by the French composer, including the famous Poissons d’Or (goldfish), inspired by a Japanese lacquer print which Debussy owned.”