Marimbist Makoto Nakura is a musician whose artistry and astonishing virtuosity have been mesmerizing audiences for over a decade. His innovative programs of new music as well as traditional classical repertoire show the versatility and expressive range of the marimba.
In 1994, Makoto came from his native Japan to become the first marimbist to win a place on the prestigious Young Concert Artists roster. He has played throughout the U.S. with orchestras such as the New York Chamber Symphony, the Chicago Sinfonietta, the California Symphony and, as a recital soloist, his long list of appearances includes Carnegie's Weill Recital Hall, New York's 92nd Street Y, Washington's Kennedy Center, Seoul's Hoam Art Hall and Tokyo's Suntory Hall. His recent honors also include a National Arts Festival New Artist Award from the Japanese Agency of Cultural Affairs and the BMI/Carlos Surinach Fund Marimba Commission. He was named an Associate of the Royal Academy of Music in London. He performs often with the American Ballet Theater in New York City at the Metropolitan Opera House, the Kaye Playhouse, and most recently as soloist in their new production of "Marimba" at City Center. He has also appeared as a guest artist with The Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center and at the Bridgehampton Chamber Music Festival.
Mr. Nakura has established himself as a dedicated champion of the music of our time, and two of his CDs, released on Kleos Classics and Japan's ALM Records, are devoted to works written especially for him by such leading young composers as Kevin Puts, Kenji Bunch, Carlos Sanchez-Gutierrez, Pierre Jalbert, David Schober and Jason Eckardt.
Learn more at Makoto Nakura's own website.
