Birth

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September 13, 1988 in Tokyo, Japan

 

Nobuyuki Tsujii is a Japanese classical pianist who was born on September 13, 1988, in Tokyo, Japan. He was born blind due to microphthalmia, a condition that affects the development of the eyes. Despite his disability, Tsujii showed an early interest in music and began playing the piano at the age of two. Tsujii's parents recognized his talent and enrolled him in the Toho Gakuen School of Music for the Blind in Tokyo when he was four years old. There, he studied under the guidance of Professor Masahiro Kawakami, who recognized his exceptional talent and helped him develop his skills as a pianist. Tsujii's talent was soon recognized by the wider music community, and he began performing in public at the age of ten. In 1999, he won first prize at the All Japan Music Competition for Blind Students, and in 2000, he won the first prize at the PTNA Piano Competition for Blind Pianists. In 2005, Tsujii made his international debut at the Hamamatsu International Piano Competition, where he won the joint first prize with Russian pianist Evgeni Bozhanov. This was a significant achievement for Tsujii, as it marked the first time a blind pianist had won a major international piano competition. Following his success at the Hamamatsu International Piano Competition, Tsujii began to receive invitations to perform at major concert halls around the world. In 2009, he made his debut at Carnegie Hall in New York City, where he performed Beethoven's Piano Concerto No. 5 with the Orchestra of the Swan. Tsujii's performance at Carnegie Hall was widely praised, and he was hailed as a rising star in the classical music world. He went on to perform at other major concert halls, including the Royal Albert Hall in London, the Berlin Philharmonic, and the Suntory Hall in Tokyo. In addition to his performances, Tsujii has also released several recordings, including his debut album, "Elegy," which was released in 2007. The album features works by Chopin, Liszt, and Debussy, among others, and was well-received by critics. Tsujii has also been the recipient of numerous awards and honors throughout his career. In 2009, he was awarded the Hamamatsu International Piano Academy Award, and in 2011, he was named a Cultural Ambassador of Hamamatsu City. In 2013, Tsujii was awarded the Order of the Rising Sun, Gold Rays with Rosette, by the Japanese government in recognition of his contributions to the arts. He was also named a Steinway Artist in 2014, joining a select group of pianists who are recognized for their exceptional talent and artistry. Despite his success, Tsujii remains humble and dedicated to his craft. He continues to perform around the world, and his performances are known for their emotional depth and technical brilliance. He is widely regarded as one of the most talented pianists of his generation, and his music has touched the hearts of audiences around the world.

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