Guest Artist Spotlight: Minami Kyoka at the 2025 International Piano Festival
The 2025 International Piano Festival is honored to feature the remarkable Minami Kyoka as one of its distinguished guest artists. A pianist of extraordinary talent and dedication, Kyoka’s artistry has captivated audiences worldwide and garnered her numerous prestigious accolades.
A Trail of Achievements
Minami Kyoka’s career is a testament to her exceptional skill and passion for music. Among her many accomplishments, she claimed the grand prize and audience award at the 2024 PTNA Piano Competition Superior Grade, where she also earned the esteemed Minister of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology Award and the Steinway Award. She further demonstrated her musical prowess by securing first prize and the audience award at the Sakai International Piano Competition and was recognized as a top five winner in the PTNA Piano Competition for participants under the age of 22.
In 2023, Kyoka added another triumph to her list by winning the Boston Conservatory Concerto Competition. This victory led to a memorable performance of Tchaikovsky’s Piano Concerto No. 1 with the Conservatory Orchestra, a highlight in her already illustrious career.
Her collaborations with prestigious orchestras, including the Tokyo Philharmonic Orchestra, Virtuosi Brunenses Orchestra, Sao Paulo Youth Symphony Orchestra, and Ribeirão Preto Symphony Orchestra, have cemented her status as a sought-after soloist on the global stage.
A Foundation of Excellence
Kyoka’s musical journey began at just four years old when she started piano lessons, quickly revealing her prodigious talent. At the age of six, she moved to Boston to study at the Longy School of Music under Alice Wilkinson. By age ten, her studies took a significant leap forward under the tutelage of Claudio Soares.
Her academic achievements are equally impressive. She earned her Bachelor’s degree in Piano Performance from Kyoto University of Arts in 2020, studying under the guidance of Kumiko Hattori and Hibiki Tamura. Continuing her education in the United States, Kyoka completed her Master of Music degree and Graduate Performance Diploma at the Boston Conservatory at Berklee, where she studied with the renowned Max Levinson.
Throughout her career, Kyoka has received support from notable scholarships, including the Mark H. Cooley Piano Scholarship, the Churchill Scholarship, and the Aoyama Music Foundation Scholarship, reflecting her dedication and the high regard in which she is held by the music community.
Looking Ahead to the Festival
Minami Kyoka’s appearance at the 2025 International Piano Festival promises to be a highlight of the event, offering audiences the chance to witness the artistry of one of today’s most exciting pianists. Her performances are known for their technical brilliance, emotional depth, and interpretative insight, qualities that have consistently set her apart on the international stage.
As we anticipate her contribution to this year’s festival, we celebrate not only her achievements but also her inspiring journey as a musician. Prepare to be moved and amazed by the incredible talents of Minami Kyoka—a true luminary of the piano world.
Stay tuned for the festival schedule and more updates on our extraordinary lineup!
