AONIYOSHI MUSIC COMPETITION NARA Solo & Chamber Music Concert by the Winners

Chamber music performance by Futa Ichihara, winner of the Grand Prix and the Minister of Internal Affairs and Communications Award at the 9th Competition, Eiji Arai, Principal Guest Concertmaster of the Century Orchestra of Japan, and Shoko Masuyama, Deputy Principal Cello Player of the Osaka Symphony Orchestra.

Futa Ichihara, piano
After graduating from the Music Department of Takamatsu Daiichi High School, Ichihara is currently a fourth-year student in the Piano Course of the Department of Instrumental Music at Aichi Prefectural University of Fine Arts and Music. He has performed in the 54th Regular Concert (2 pianos), the 15th Graduate School Completion Concert (Lieder Duo), the "Enjoyment of Chamber Music" in 2022, and the Piano Masterpieces Concert by students of Aichi Prefectural University of Fine Arts and Music, selected by the university.
Winner of the Grand Prize and the Minister of Internal Affairs and Communications Award at the 9th Aoniyoshi Music Competition Nara Professional Stage Grand Prix, and 1st Prize in the Piano Division. He won the highest prize in the piano division for high school boys at the 29th Japan Classical Music Competition, and received the Takamatsu City Education and Culture Promotion Association Award from Takamatsu City in 2048. He is also active in chamber music, performing in duos and ensembles of various compositions. He has studied under Makoto Yamahata, Kenji Watanabe, Takahiro Akiba, Toshiyuki Takeuchi, Mariko Sano, Masayo Ayano, Akiko Miyoshi, and Kumiko Kuribayashi.

Eiji Arai (violin)
Studied under Kyoko Suzuki and Toshiya Eto at Toho Gakuen School of Music. In 1992, he participated in the formation of the Morgoa Quartet. To this day, the Quartet has established its own unique position with its unrivaled programming and authentic performances. His progressive rock repertoire, in particular, has been praised by rock fans. He is currently Principal Guest Concertmaster of the Century Orchestra of Japan and the Nagoya Philharmonic Orchestra, and Special Guest Concertmaster of the Tokyo City Philharmonic Orchestra.

Shoko Masuyama, cello
Graduated from Toho Girls' High School of Music and the Faculty of Music at the same college. Completed the third year of the same program. Gold Prize at the 7th Izumi no Mori Junior Cello Competition. She won the third prize at the 12th Japan Performers' Competition. Selected for the 67th All Japan Student Music Competition, and others. Performed a concerto with Musashino Shimin Symphony Orchestra. Performed at the Omi Spring Lake Biwa Music Festival Lake View Concert, recitals sponsored by the Japan Federation of Musicians, NHK-FM Recital Passio, and others. He began playing the cello at the age of five under Hakuro Mori. Studied chamber music under Koichiro Harada. He was a fellow of the Suntory Chamber Music Academy for the third term. He is currently the Assistant Principal Cello of the Osaka Symphony Orchestra and a supporting artist at Sakura Plaza.