Pianists Erika Kobayashi and Kana Ito with London Soloists Philharmonia

Event information

The Second MCS Platform Series Outreach Charity Concert Concerto Debut in London features two pianists from Japan, Erika Kobayashi and Kana Ito - Cum Laude, students of the most prominent conservatory in Japan, Tokyo University of Fine Arts, and both musicians with successful competition results and active in the concert scene in Tokyo. They will perform with the London Soloists Philharmonia under the batton of Peter Limonov.

The evening will be opened with a pre-concert performance by countertenor and TCL Choral Scholar Alexander Pullinger, formerly a choral scholar of New College, Oxford. He will be accompanied by pianist Yuko Yagishita, alumna and former faculty member of the Tokyo University of Fine Arts. Both are currently postgraduate students at Trinity Laban.

Erika Kobayashi

Active in the concert scene, pianist Erika Kobayashi finished her masters at the Tokyo University of Fine Arts where she currently serves as an assistant. Competition successes include 3rd prize inaugural edition Faure, and finalist in the Ile de France. She has performed as soloist with the Tokyo New City Orchestra.

Kana Ito

Kana Ito received 1st Prize and Grand-prix at Chatou International Piano Competition (2011) and 2nd prize at Thalburg International Piano Competition (2012). She has performed as soloist with Kansai Philharmonic Orchestra, Central Aichi Symphony Orchestra. Currently she is studying at the Tokyo University of Fine Arts.

London Soloists Philharmonia

London Soloists Philharmonia was recently founded and consists of outstanding young soloists and chamber musicians, many of whom are prizewinners at international level. Peter Limonov, its principal conductor, born in Moscow, is a graduate of both the Royal Academy of Music and Royal College of Music and combines conducting with a career as a concert pianist.

The evening is organised by MCS as an Outreach Charity Concert to support its effort to provide exposure for musicians of the future.