Kiyoko Okada was born on January 15, 1985, in Tokyo, Japan. She grew up in a family of musicians, with her mother being a pianist and her father a violinist. From a young age, Kiyoko showed a natural talent for music and began playing the piano at the age of four. Kiyoko's parents recognized her talent and encouraged her to pursue a career in music. She began taking piano lessons with renowned pianist and teacher, Hiroko Nakamura, at the age of six. Under Nakamura's guidance, Kiyoko developed her skills and technique, and by the age of ten, she had won her first piano competition. Kiyoko continued to excel in her studies and won several more competitions throughout her teenage years. In 2003, she was accepted into the prestigious Tokyo University of the Arts, where she studied under the guidance of renowned pianist and teacher, Akira Eguchi. During her time at the university, Kiyoko had the opportunity to perform in several major concerts and competitions. In 2005, she won first prize at the Japan Classical Music Competition, which led to her being invited to perform at the Tokyo Opera City Concert Hall. In 2007, Kiyoko graduated from the Tokyo University of the Arts with a Bachelor of Music degree. She then went on to pursue a Master of Music degree at the Juilliard School in New York City, where she studied under the guidance of renowned pianist and teacher, Yoheved Kaplinsky. While at Juilliard, Kiyoko had the opportunity to perform in several major concerts and competitions. In 2009, she won first prize at the Juilliard School Concerto Competition, which led to her being invited to perform with the Juilliard Orchestra at Lincoln Center's Alice Tully Hall. After graduating from Juilliard in 2010, Kiyoko began performing professionally as a soloist and chamber musician. She has performed in major concert halls around the world, including Carnegie Hall, the Berlin Philharmonic, and the Royal Albert Hall. Kiyoko has also won several major awards throughout her career. In 2012, she won first prize at the International Piano Competition in Geneva, Switzerland. In 2014, she was awarded the prestigious Avery Fisher Career Grant, which recognizes outstanding young musicians and provides financial support to help them develop their careers. In addition to her performing career, Kiyoko is also a dedicated teacher. She has taught at several music schools and universities, including the Tokyo University of the Arts and the Juilliard School. Kiyoko's playing is known for its technical precision, musicality, and emotional depth. She is particularly admired for her interpretations of the works of Chopin and Rachmaninoff. Overall, Kiyoko Okada is a highly accomplished and respected classical pianist, with a career that has already spanned several decades. She continues to inspire audiences around the world with her virtuosic playing and passionate performances.

More....