News: Yo Kitamura Wins the First Prize in the 29th Johannes Brahms International Competition!

On 9th September 2023(Japan time), cellist Yo Kitamura was crowned the winner of the 29th Johannes Brahms International Competition in Pellchach, Austria!
He also received a special prize for the best interpretation of the contemporary compulsory piece, donated by the composer Dr. Johannes Kropfitsch.

In the finals he performed the first movement of Dvořák’s Cello Concerto No. 1, conducted by Ernest Hetzel with the Eurosymphony SFK Orchestra and was highly praised for his rich musicality and potential.

Previous recognitions of Yo Kitamura includes the first prize at the International Tchaikovsky Competition for Young Musicians in 2017, and second prize at the 2022 Khachaturian International Competition. Kitamura is currently a student in the Soloist Diploma Course at Toho Gakuen School of Music. He plays the1668 “Cassini” cello, on loan from Ueno Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd.

Please keep an eye on the future activities of Yo Kitamura.

◇Yo Kitamura, Photo/Profile
　⇒ https://www.japanarts.co.jp/en/artist/yokitamura/

◇Johannes Brahms International Competition
　⇒ https://www.brahmscompetition.org/en/