Teaching Dates : Aug. 10 - 14, 2025
Rintaro
Akamatsu began studying the piano and the violin at the age of 2, and the cello
at the age of 6. He showed remarkable talent from a very young age. At the age
of 5, he made his TV debut, showcasing his skills. By the age of 10, he
performed Mozart's concerto with his original cadenza. Since winning the All
Japan Student Music Competition in 1990, he has achieved success in several
major competitions in Japan.
His
first international recognition came in 2000 when he won third prize at the
Clara Schumann International Piano Competition, which featured esteemed judges
such as Martha Argerich and Nelson Freire. Dr. Joachim Kaiser praised him as
"really intelligent and talented" during this achievement.
After
graduating from Kobe University, he received unanimous acclaim from the judges
who awarded him the Diplôme Supérieur de Concertiste for both piano and chamber
music at L’Ecole Normale de Musique de Paris. He excelled in chamber music,
receiving full marks from all the judges. He has studied under renowned
musicians such as Mikhail Voskresensky in Tokyo, France Clidat and Jean Micault
in Paris, György Nádor and Kocsis Zoltán in Budapest, and Nina Patchett and
Christian Ivaldi for chamber music.
He
has performed with prestigious orchestras such as the Tokyo Symphony Orchestra,
Royal Metropolitan Orchestra, Royal Chamber Orchestra, Danube Symphony
Orchestra, and Silesian Philharmonic Orchestra, among others. In addition to
performing in major concert halls in Japan, he has showcased his talent in the
USA, Russia, Germany, France, Italy, Spain, Austria, Hungary, Poland, Taiwan,
and Colombia. His recordings, including "Due Domenico," "Angel
del Piazzolla," "And the Bell Tolls," "Hommage a
Invention," "Lascia ch'io Pianga," and "Für Clara,"
released under King International, have received critical acclaim from various
magazines.
Moreover,
he serves as a jury member for numerous international piano competitions, such
as the "Danubia Talents," "Osaka," "Xabia,"
"Liszt," "Orbetello," "Monegrarte," and
"Scandinavian" International Music Competitions. He has been invited
to teach master classes in Japan, Asia, and Europe, and has had the privilege
of mentoring over 1,000 musicians throughout his career. His guidance and
expertise have contributed to the success of many talented individuals, who
have emerged as winners in significant domestic and international competitions.
He
has also authored numerous works and contributed serials to newspapers and
magazines, providing insights into his experiences, knowledge, and perspectives
on music. These written contributions showcase his multifaceted presence in the
arts.
Currently, Rintaro Akamatsu is Professor of Osaka College of Music, Senzoku Gakuen College of Music, Utsunomiya Junior College, Budapest International Piano Masterclass. The President of the Japan Liszt Piano Academy. An ambassador for Casio.
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