Mari Kumamoto
Mari Kumamoto (熊本 マリ, born October 15, 1964) is a Japanese-born professional pianist known for her recordings of Spanish and Japanese composers. Early life. Born in Tokyo, Japan, Kumamoto began piano studies at age five. At age ten, she moved with her family to Madrid, Spain and began studies with Joaquin Soriano at the Madrid Royal Conservatory and in 1975 was awarded the top prize in the young pianists competition. Career. Studies Abroad and Awards. In 1982, Kumamoto was awarded a special scholarship to study at Juilliard School of Music under professor Sascha Gorodnitzki. In 1985, she  enrolled at Royal Academy of Music in London and was awarded a Recital Diploma. She won many prizes including the top prize at the Newport International Piano Competition which was awarded by Diana, Princess of Wales. She completed her studies and received her Recital-Diploma in 1986. Return to Japan. In 1986, Kumamoto returned to Japan and started a career focusing on the piano music of Spanish composer Federico Mompou (1893-1987). She was the first pianist to record his entire piano repertoire. She later translated Mompou's biography "Música Callada". Concert tours. In 1994, Kumamoto embarked on an international  concert series performing with the Czech Philharmonic Orchestra at its New Year's Eve concert. She also performed with Josef Suk and the Suk Chamber Orchestra, which was repeated in Japan same year. In 1996, Kumamoto held a recital in Spain, as a participant of "Japan Week”. Since then Kumamoto has given yearly solo and ensemble recitals with a special emphasis on Spanish and Latin American repertoire and Japanese composers including Hajime Okumura whose music reflects the traditional melodies of Japanese folksongs. Her most recent concerts include a tour in Egypt with the Cairo Opera Orchestra followed by a recital  tour in Jordan and Alexandria. In June 2012 she was invited to perform recitals and concerts with the Venezuela Symphony Orchestra. This was followed by concerts in Argentina with the Esteban Morgado Quartet. Teaching appointment. Appointed in 2010, Kumamoto is currently Professor of Music in Piano Performance at Osaka University of Arts. She is a jury member of José Iturbi International Piano Competition.