KUNIKO KATO, Percussionist

Kuniko Kato is internationally acclaimed as one of the world’s leading percussion virtuosos, celebrated for her visionary artistry, technical precision, and deeply expressive interpretations. Her performances and recordings of composers such as Steve Reich, Arvo Pärt, and Iannis Xenakis have been widely praised for their clarity, intensity, and architectural insight, while her interpretations of J.S. Bach on marimba have redefined the instrument’s expressive possibilities.

Her recordings have received outstanding international critical acclaim, with leading publications such as BBC Music Magazine, The Sunday Times, and Gramophone Magazine highlighting her “mesmerizing virtuosity” and “extraordinary musical intelligence.” She is also notably the only Japanese artist represented by the UK label Linn Records, further underscoring her unique international standing.

Kato’s artistic practice is characterized by a commitment to expanding the boundaries of percussion performance through interdisciplinary collaboration, commissioning new works, and reimagining canonical repertoire. Her projects often bridge tradition and innovation, engaging audiences through immersive and concept-driven performances presented at major international venues and festivals.

Since 2016, Kato has also demonstrated a strong social commitment through her artist incubation initiative, fostering and mentoring the next generation of percussionists. This project emphasizes not only artistic excellence but also cultural responsibility, diversity, and sustainability in the performing arts. By nurturing emerging talent and creating platforms for young musicians, she actively contributes to the evolution of the global music community, ensuring that contemporary percussion continues to thrive as a dynamic and socially engaged art form.

HARUKA AOYAGI graduated from Senzoku Gakuen College of Music before completing her postgraduate studies at the university’s Graduate School of Music.

In 2018, she received the Percussion Course Outstanding Achievement Award, and was subsequently honored with the top prize at the 37th Percussion Newcomer Concert.

She studied percussion under Shinji Horio, Genichiro Furukawa, and Satoshi Takeshima, and chamber music under Akiko Yamamoto and Kikuko Ishii.

Aoyagi appeared in the 20th Anniversary production of the STEVE REICH PROJECT at Meguro Persimmon Hall in 2022. In 2024, she joined the European tour of META XENAKIS, performing in Romania, France, and the United Kingdom.

Through performances that traverse precision, resonance, and physical expression, she continues to shape a distinctive artistic voice within the landscape of contemporary percussion music.

KARIN TOZAKI graduated from the Percussion Course at Senzoku Gakuen College of Music before completing her Master’s degree at the university’s Graduate School of Music as valedictorian.

As a freelance percussionist, she has cultivated a versatile career spanning chamber music, orchestral performance, and contemporary works. In 2019, she was awarded the Grand Prix and First Prize at the 19th Romania International Music Competition.

Tozaki appeared in Xenakis and Japan at Meguro Persimmon Hall in 2021, and has been a member of the STEVE REICH PROJECT since 2022.

In 2024, she joined the European tour of META XENAKIS, performing in Romania, France, and the United Kingdom, further deepening her engagement with the pioneering repertoire of contemporary music.

KOICHI HOSONO graduated top of his class from the Percussion Course at Senzoku Gakuen College of Music and subsequently completed the Master’s Program at the university’s Graduate School of Music.

He received the highest award in the percussion division of the 27th Japan Classical Music Competition, followed by the Grand Prix and First Prize at the 19th Romania International Music Competition.

Hosono appeared in Xenakis and Japan at Meguro Persimmon Hall in 2021, and in 2022 performed in the hall’s 20th Anniversary production of the STEVE REICH PROJECT.

In 2024, he joined the European tour of META XENAKIS, appearing in performances across Romania, France, and the United Kingdom. Through these international collaborations, he continues to explore the dynamic frontier between virtuosity, rhythm, and contemporary musical expression.