| Biography | Kumi Matsuo was born in Tokyo, Japan. Kumi graduated from the Toho Gakuen High School of Music and the Toho Gakuen University of Music in Tokyo. In 2007 she moved to London for her further study at the Royal College of Music where she gained an Artist Diploma and a Masters of Music in Performance. Kumi studied piano with Jyoko Gondo, Mikhail Voskresensky, John Blakely and Ashley Wass. Her study was supported by the Charles Napper Award, the Russell Gander Award and the Rohm Music Foundation.
In 2008 Kumi gave her London debut playing Ravels Piano Concerto for Left Hand in Cadogan Hall with RCM Sinfonietta conducted by Peter Stark. She is also the winner of the 5th Louisiana International Piano Competition in 2013, Second Prize winner at the 75th Music Competition of Japan in 2006, Third Prize at the 22nd Ferrol International Piano Competition in 2008 and First Prize and the title of Competition Laureate at the 6th Isidor Bajic International Piano Competition in 2012. She adds a unique combination of grace and power to her interpretations of classical masterpieces.
An accomplished concert pianist, Kumi has played with orchestras such as Tokyo Symphony Orchestra, Galicia Symphony Orchestra, Banatul Symphony Orchestra and Rapides Symphony Orchestra. Kumi has given numerous solo recitals and chamber music concerts in major venues throughout the UK and Japan including Elgar Room at Royal Albert Hall, Royal Festival Hall, Queen Elizabeth Hall, St Martin-in-the-Fields, Bristol Cathedral, National Gallery, Tokyo Bunka Kaikan, Tokyo Opera City Hall, Kioi Hall and Oji Hall. |