On October 29, Japanese pianist Yukine Kuroki makes her Carnegie Hall debut with a recital presented by the Dublin International Competition. The program features music by Stravinsky, Rachmaninoff, Kapustin, Tokuyama, Schumann, Saint-Saëns and Debussy. We spoke to her about the upcoming recital, coming to NYC for the first time, winning the Dublin International Piano Competition and more.
How and when did you first become interested in music? What prompted you to begin playing piano, and when did you know you wanted to pursue a career as a concert pianist?
I started to play piano when I was 3 years old. Because my mother was a piano teacher, there was a piano in my house. I started so naturally, because this piano was like my friend.
When I was 12 years old, I met my professor, Fumiko Eguchi. I was so thrilled that she really respects music and people. She is passionate and supports me so kindly.
I started to participate in junior international competitions all over the world. I met many amazing young pianists and professors, and I realized how beautiful music is. I wanted to learn more and more, so I practiced so hard every day and now it’s my job. I don’t think of it as “working” when I play the piano. I think I’m so lucky because for me, music is my life and my constant companion. So I’m really enjoying to have many concerts all over the world.
What did winning the Dublin International Piano Competition mean for you and your career?
I was so thrilled to receive 1st prize in Dublin – it was my dream to win such a famous competition. After that, I won several other competitions but for me, Dublin was my first big win. It’s a really important prize and it has given me more confidence.
After Dublin, my life has changed. I had many interviews in newspapers, articles and television, and have had many concert requests in Japan and Europe. This season I have several concerts in US and Canada. Thanks to the Dublin competition, I’m having a career as a pianist.
The Carnegie Hall recital on October 29, 2024 is your first concert recital in the United States. What are you most looking forward to about performing in New York?
It’ll be my first time to visit New York, so I’m curious how audiences will react there.
I remember performing in Fort Worth, Texas many years ago [as semi-finalist at the Cliburn Junior Competition]. I was thrilled that audiences had so much passion and they shouted ‘bravo’ so much. So I believe that in New York audiences will also be good. And of course I want to go sightseeing!
Tell us about your recital program. What brings these pieces together?
I love all pieces that I’ll perform. First, Liszt is a special composer for me - when I was 10 years old, I played Liszt for the first time, and immediately fell in love with his music because it encompasses everything. Some people think his music is mainly technical. But I think he has passion, love, respect, a deep story and it’s very lyrical.
Stravinsky’s Firebird is originally for orchestra, and in Agosti’s arrangement for piano you can hear all the orchestra sounds and colors which tell the story.
About Rachmaninov and Kapustin, it was my dream to play Rachmaninov Sonata No.2 and Kapustin Variations, I especially like its jazz rhythms. I chose Minako Tokuyama’s “Musica Nara” especially because the piece is really beautiful; it incorporates traditional Japanese melodies, evoking a smiling Budda, Japanese temple bells and jazz! How amazing that she mixed Japan and Jazz. I hope everyone will love this piece!
What is the next milestone in your career you’d like to achieve?
I’m happy now, so I want to keep my job as a concert pianist. I really love to perform in front of audiences, and I am most happy when I have a lot of concerts to play. I don’t even want to take a rest!
I want to play some other big repertoire, and I like chamber music, concertos and solo piano music. I also would like to record a CD! I have so many options in front of me, so I want to keep trying everything!!