Saturday 21st September 2024 1:45pm – 2:30pm
Pijus Jonusas – Violin, Yuuki Bouterey-Ishido – Cello, Kanako Mizuno – Piano
Programme
Schubert Sonatensatz in B-flat major, D. 28
Smetana Piano Trio No.1 in G minor, Op. 15
Trio Kagura is a professional piano trio based in Manchester, UK. The trio was founded in 2017 by award winning Japanese pianist Kanako Mizuno and Lithuanian violinist Pijus Jonušas, and has more recently been joined by New Zealand cellist Yuuki Bouterey-Ishido. The trio performs regularly throughout the north of England, in addition to annual concerts held in Vilnius, Lithuania.
The trio is regularly invited to participate and perform in chamber music festivals in the UK and Europe, including the Akademie Telč festival in the Czech Republic, the Chamber Music in Lavethan festival in Cornwall, and the Chamber Music Atelier Delft in the Netherlands.
Recent highlights include an award to take part in a residency at Snape Maltings as Britten-Pears Young Artists for 2024-2025, and an invitation to the prestigious Chamber Studio, where the trio will be working with eminent musicians such as Kathryn Stott and David Watkin.
Trio Kagura has also worked with various renowned musicians including David Waterman, Kathryn Stott, Pavel Fischer, Petr Prause, Jeremy Young, Donald Grant, former members of the Talich Quartet, and members of Trio Gaspard and the Paddington Trio.
The trio’s name takes inspiration from the Japanese word for ritual music and dance that is performed to bring joy and peace to the community.
Pijus Jonušas is a Lithuanian violinist from Vilnius. A keen chamber musician and teacher, Pijus studied at the Royal Conservat oire in The Hague with Peter Brunt and also at The Royal Northern College of Music in Manchester UK with Pavel Fischer.
Pijus has collaborated with such artists as Magnus Johnston, Guy Johnston, John Ryan, Timothy Ridout, Petr Prause, Susie Meszaros and Abel Salaocoe.
In 2019 Pijus joined the Elmore Quartet and in 2021 was appointed as a Junior Fellow in chamber music with the Elmore Quartet at The Royal Northern College of Music. He currently performs as a member of Trio Kagura.
Japanese-born pianist Kanako Mizuno has achieved some remarkable feats in her young career.
Successful as both soloist and accompanist, 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 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, 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 – Outstanding young pianists from Chetham’s School Of Music