Sonoko Miriam Shimano Welde is a classical music artist who has made a name for herself as a pianist and composer. Born in Tokyo, Japan, on December 28, 1997, Sonoko began playing the piano at the age of three. Her parents, both musicians, recognized her talent early on and encouraged her to pursue a career in music. Sonoko's family moved to the United States when she was six years old, and she continued her musical education under the guidance of her mother, who is a piano teacher. Sonoko's talent and dedication to music were evident from a young age, and she quickly became known for her exceptional skills on the piano. As a child, Sonoko participated in numerous piano competitions and won several awards. In 2007, she won first place in the American Protégé International Piano and Strings Competition, and in 2008, she won first place in the New York International Piano Competition. These early successes set the stage for Sonoko's future career as a classical musician. In 2013, Sonoko was accepted into the Juilliard School's Pre-College Division, where she studied under the renowned pianist Yoheved Kaplinsky. During her time at Juilliard, Sonoko continued to excel in piano competitions, winning first place in the 2014 New York Piano Competition and the 2015 International Young Artist Piano Competition. In addition to her success as a pianist, Sonoko is also a talented composer. She began composing music at the age of 12 and has since written numerous pieces for piano, chamber ensembles, and orchestra. Her compositions have been performed by various orchestras and ensembles, including the New York Philharmonic and the Juilliard Orchestra. One of Sonoko's most notable performances was her debut recital at Carnegie Hall in 2016. The recital, which featured works by Bach, Beethoven, and Chopin, was met with critical acclaim, and Sonoko was praised for her technical skill and musicality. Since her debut at Carnegie Hall, Sonoko has continued to perform at prestigious venues around the world, including the Berlin Philharmonic and the Royal Albert Hall in London. She has also collaborated with numerous musicians and ensembles, including the New York Philharmonic and the Tokyo String Quartet. In addition to her performances, Sonoko is also committed to music education. She has taught piano to students of all ages and has given masterclasses at various music schools and conservatories. She is also a strong advocate for music education and believes that every child should have access to music education. Throughout her career, Sonoko has received numerous awards and honors for her contributions to classical music. In 2017, she was named a Yamaha Artist, and in 2018, she was awarded the prestigious Avery Fisher Career Grant, which recognizes outstanding young musicians who show exceptional talent and promise. Sonoko's dedication to music and her exceptional talent have made her one of the most promising young classical musicians of her generation. Her performances and compositions have captivated audiences around the world, and she continues to inspire and educate future generations of musicians.

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