MIU HIRAI

Born in Japan in 2000, started playing the violin at the age of 5 and also started playing the

piano at the age of 7.She won the 1st Prize at Japan junior classical Music Competition(2013), the 3rd Prize at Japan Classical Music Competition (2014,2015) , finalist in the piano division of JapanClassical Music Competition(2015) ,the outstanding performance award at Miyazaki International Music Festival (2022), the 1st Prize and Concerto-award at Kanagawa Music Competition (2022), the 2nd Prize at Tokyo Music Competition (2024) and so on. She has performed in many recitals. Also she worked with Tokyo Philharmonic Orchestra,New Japan Philharmonic Orchestra , Kanagawa Philharmonic Orchestra,Tokyo Geidai Philharmonia Orchestra,among others. Now, She is pursuing a master’s degree at the Tokyo university of the arts.She received the award when she graduated from a faculty . She has studied under Prof.Reiko Watanabe, Prof. Taro Uemura, and Prof. Masafumi Hori.

1. Was there a specific moment or experience that made you realize you wanted to become a musician?

Each experience has meant a great deal to me, and it’s hard to put them all into words.But, there were times when listening to music made me feel as if I’d been saved.Hoping to gently reach someone’s heart through music,even if just a little, I began to dream of becoming a musician.

2.When you perform,what do you hope to communicate or make the audience feel?

When I perform, I feel happy if I can share with those who are listening the unique beauty of each piece of music and the special atmosphere it creates.

3.If you had to present yourself by playing a single piece from the entire repertoire,which one would you choose,and why?

That was a so difficult question for me! I would choose Korngold’s Violin Concerto. Although I may not yet be fully the person this music reflects, I want to be someone who, like the piece, never forgets a sense of wonder,longing,hope, and kindness ーeven during happy times or bittersweet memories arise.