Mao Fujita, a Japanese pianist born with an innate musical sensitivity, has rapidly emerged as a special talent equally at ease with Mozart and the major romantic repertoire. His artistry, marked by naturalness and profound musicality, has garnered praise from leading musicians and earned him prestigious accolades on the international stage.
Early Life and Musical Education
Born in Tokyo, Mao Fujita exhibited an early passion for the piano, starting lessons at the tender age of three. His musical journey took a significant leap when, still a student at the Tokyo College of Music in 2017, he achieved a remarkable feat by winning First Prize at the Concours International de Piano Clara Haskil in Switzerland. This victory, coupled with the Audience Award, Prix Modern Times, and the Prix Coup de Coeur, brought him to the forefront of the global music community.
International Recognition and Achievements
Fujita continued to make waves on the international scene, clinching the Silver Medal at the 2019 Tchaikovsky Competition in Moscow. His exceptional musical qualities caught the attention of the jury and Valery Gergiev, leading to invitations for international tours. Notably, he performed Tchaikovsky’s Piano Concerto No. 2 with the Mariinsky Orchestra and Valery Gergiev in Tokyo, receiving rapturous acclaim after stepping in with only two days’ notice.
Recitals and Orchestral Collaborations
Invitations to major international festivals, including the Klavier-Festival Ruhr, the Verbier Festival, Tsinandali, and Riga-Jurmala Festivals, underscored Fujita’s versatility and artistry. His orchestral highlights include performances with renowned ensembles such as the Munich Philharmonic, Royal Philharmonic, Mariinsky Orchestra, Yomiuri Nippon Symphony Orchestra, Tokyo Metropolitan Symphony Orchestra, Israel Philharmonic, Filarmonica della Scala, and St. Petersburg Philharmonic.
Exclusive Partnership with Sony Classical
In November 2021, Mao Fujita entered an exclusive multi-album deal with Sony Classical International, signaling a new chapter in his career. This partnership promises a series of releases exploring various facets of the repertoire. The eagerly-anticipated studio recording of Mozart’s complete Piano Sonatas, scheduled for release in Autumn 2022, is expected to showcase Fujita’s interpretative depth and virtuosity.
Early Recognition and Move to Berlin
Fujita’s journey to acclaim began in 2010 when he won his first international prize at the World Classic in Taiwan. Subsequent laureate titles in competitions like the Rosario Marciano International Piano Competition in Vienna (2013), Zhuhai International Mozart Competition for Young Musicians (2015), and the Gina Bachauer International Young Artists Piano Competition (2016) solidified his position as a rising star.
In pursuit of continuous artistic growth, Mao Fujita made a significant move to Berlin in 2022 to further his studies with Kirill Gerstein, a renowned pianist and mentor.
Future Prospects
As Mao Fujita continues to ascend in the world of classical piano, his unique artistry, honed through early recognition, international triumphs, and collaborations with eminent musicians, promises to captivate audiences worldwide. With a multi-album deal with Sony Classical and studies in Berlin, Fujita stands on the cusp of an exciting and promising chapter in his musical journey. Audiences eagerly await the upcoming releases that will undoubtedly showcase his evolving brilliance and contribute to the legacy of this rising Japanese pianist.