43. Meta-Xenakis Concert at Suntory Hall, Tokyo

Kuniko Kato, percussionist, studied under legendary marimbist Keiko Abe. After graduating from the Toho Gakuen School of Music in Tokyo, Japan she advanced her academic studies at Rotterdam Conservatorium under Robert Van Sice, where she graduated as the first percussionist magna cum laude in school’s history. While in Europe she performed with the Brussels-based Ensemble Ictus and toured with them worldwide with the dance company ROSAS. She was also a member of Seiji Ozawa’s Saito Kinen Orchestra for over ten years during this period. After 2002, she focused on her career as a soloist and is now recognized as one of the world’s leading percussion virtuosos. Her astonishing virtuosity, exquisite musical insight, and expressive yet elegant performance style continues to attract not only audiences, but established conductors and composers. Kuniko is the only Japanese artist who has signed exclusively with UK-based LINN Records. She is renowned for her flawless technique when playing both keyboard and percussion instruments, which blends seamlessly with her profound musical intelligence. Over the past several years, Kuniko Kato has been focusing on nurturing the next generation of talent. As the Chief Executive of the NPO ARTSWORKS and its artistic director, she promotes artist incubation projects, supporting and fostering young professionals. For further information, see https://kuniko-kato.net and https://npo-artsworks.org