Born in Tokyo,pianist Yuko Mifune moved with her family to New York City when she was six years old.In New York her early studies were with Jerome and Ronit Lowenthal,and at the age of twelve she returned to Japan and continued her studies with virtuoso pianists Akiko Iguchi,Yoko Okumura,and Kakuzo Yasukawa.
Ms.Mifune has captured several impressive awards in Japan,including first prize at the prestigious Japan Music Competition,along with the Nomura Award,Iguchi Award,and Kawai Award.In addition,she graduated first in her class at Japan's foremost conservatory of music,the Toho GakuenUniversity.Ms.Mifune has also had the honor of performing for the Emperor of Japan at the Inperial Palace.She was awarded a two year scholarship from the Japanese Government to attend The Julliard School where she studied under Martin Canin.
In May 1991,she made her brilliant concerto debut in the U.S.at the Dorothy Chandler Music Pavillion in Los Angeles,winning praise from the L.A.Times for her performance.
As first prize winner of the 20th Frinna Awerbuch International Piano Competition,she performed at Carnegie Hall and at Lincoln Center.Her playing was broadcasted throughout the nation by the radio station WQXR.
In may of 1992,she won the Julliard Soloist audition and performed in a highly successful Commemorative Graduation Concert held in Lincorn Center.Thereafter,she returned to Japan and has maintained an active concert schedule since then. Ms.Mifunehad her own radio program in FM-Yokohama for over five years from April,1995,earning an excellent reputation and popularity from the listeners.She has released three albums:Liszt/Annees de Pelerinage Deuxieme Annee Italie,Mephisto Waltz,and Rhapsody in Blue(BMG Funhouse).Her beautiful sound and dynamic performances have always inspired audiences,and she has garnered critical acclaim for her broad repertoire whitch spans from baroque to contemporary music.
HP:http://www.yukomifune.com/