Saturday 1st November 2025 1.45pm – 2.30pm
Pijus Jonuša – Violin, Kanako Mizuno – Piano, Yuuki Bouterey-Ishido – Cello
Britten Introduction and Allegro
Ravel Piano Trio in A minor, M. 67
- Modéré
- Pantoum (Assez vif)
- Passacailllie (Très Large)
- Final (Animé)
Trio Kagura is an international ensemble formed in Manchester, uniting musicians from Japan, Lithuania, and New Zealand. The name “Kagura” is derived from the Japanese tradition of ritual music and dance, performed to bring joy and peace to the community—a fitting representation of the trio’s mission to connect and inspire through music.
Trio Kagura is an acclaimed ensemble that performs regularly across the UK and Europe. Recent highlights include being awarded a residency as Britten-Pears Young Artists for 2024-2025 at Snape Maltings, a concert tour of New Zealand in April, as well as an invitation to teach and perform at the Kamermuziek Atelier Delft.
Known for their dynamic performances and innovative programming, the trio has been invited to perform at several prestigious chamber music festivals, including the Akademie Telč festival in the Czech Republic and the Chamber Music in Lavethan festival in Cornwall.
Throughout their journey, Trio Kagura has had the privilege of working with some of the finest musicians in the world, including David Waterman, Kathryn Stott, Pavel Fischer, Petr Prause, Donald Grant, and former members of the Talich Quartet, as well as members of Trio Gaspard and the Paddington Trio. In the past year, the trio was invited to participate in the prestigious mentorship programme at Chamber Studio.
With a rich and varied musical path ahead, Trio Kagura continues to captivate audiences with their expressive performances and commitment to pushing the boundaries of chamber music.
Pijus Jonušus is a Lithuanian violinist and chamber musician, originally from Vilnius. A passionate performer and educator, Pijus honed his craft at the Royal Conservatoire in The Hague under Peter Brunt and at the Royal Northern College of Music in Manchester, where he studied with Pavel Fischer and Gina McCormack.
An experienced and versatile chamber musician, Pijus has performed across Europe, the UK, and New Zealand, appearing in esteemed venues including Wigmore Hall, Cadogan Hall, Conway Hall in London, and the Concertgebouw in Amsterdam. He has collaborated with distinguished artists such as Magnus Johnston, Guy Johnston, Elias String Quartet, Timothy Ridout, Petr Prause, Susie Mészáros, and Abel Selaocoe.
From 2019, Pijus was a core member of the Elmore String Quartet, with whom he recorded for BBC Radio 3 and extensively toured the UK. The quartet was the recipient of a Tunnell Trust-supported tour of Scotland, as well as the Kirckman Concert Society Award. They were also appointed as Junior Fellows in Chamber Music at the Royal Northern College of Music for 2021–2023.
Japanese-born pianist Kanako Mizuno has achieved some remarkable feats in her young career.
Successful as both soloist and collaborative pianist, UK-based Mizuno has received a Global Talent Visa, and has been awarded numerous prizes and scholarships in recognition of her skilful piano playing.
Winning placements include Japan Player’s Competition, the Young Artist Piano Competition, Le Brilant French Music Competition, Tokyo Piano Competition and Japan Classical Music Competition. She was also selected as a winner of the Gold Medal at the Royal Northern College of Music in 2019.
Kanako obtained her BMus from the Toho Gakuen School of Music before moving to the UK, where she studied at the Royal Northern College of Music on a scholarship. She graduated with a Professional Diploma from the Royal Academy of Music in 2020.
Kanako has a strong passion in chamber music, and she is a member of Trio Kagura and the Hara Duo. She is also interested in Cross-Artform collaboration and currently works in collaboration with dancers.
Yuuki Bouterey-Ishido is a New Zealand cellist currently performing in the UK and Europe as a member of the Trio Kagura, and Sub-Principal Cello at the Royal Scottish National Orchestra.
Yuuki has been invited to perform at major festivals around the world, including the Schnittke Festival in London and the Semaine Internationale de Piano et musique de chambre in Switzerland. Other significant performances include solo recitals in Japan, Italy, and New Zealand. He has also toured Europe extensively over three years as a member of the Menuhin Academy Soloists under the direction of Maxim Vengerov.
Yuuki is also a passionate chamber musician and has been awarded numerous chamber music prizes, as well as being regularly invited to perform in various chamber festivals in Europe, collaborating with artists such as David Waterman, Ilya Grubert, Pavel Fischer, Martin Stupka, and Christophe Roy. He currently performs as a member of Trio Kagura.
Major prizes and awards include the prestigious Diploma of the Royal Academy of Music, First Prize in the Barbirolli Cello Prize 2018, the String Player Award at the Gisborne International Music Competition 2017, and 2nd Prize in the National Concerto Competition in New Zealand.
Next week’s concert – Lewis Kingsley Peart (piano)
