[April Dream] Giving 'Wings' to Young Pianists: Taking the Grand Concerto to 6 Cities Nationwide. Launching New Concertos from Japan to the World
As part of the April Dream initiative, PTNA announced its vision to expand the 'Grand Concerto'—where young pianists perform with professional orchestras—nationwide and to introduce new Japanese concertos to the global stage.
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- 📰 Published: April 2, 2026 at 00:39
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### 1. Giving Young Talents the 'Wings' to Soar Globally
At the world's most prestigious international piano competitions, the final and most daunting barrier that stands in the way.
That is the 'performance with an orchestra (concerto).'
Unlike a solo performance, a concerto is an art of 'dialogue,' weaving music together with a conductor and orchestra members. Built on a foundation of solid technique, it demands the ability to listen to each other's sound, synchronize breathing, and flexibly alter expression in response to the acoustics born in that very moment. Such an experience cannot be gained simply by practicing endlessly in a rehearsal room. It is the actual on-stage experience that becomes the true 'wings' allowing a pianist to soar into the world.
However, currently in Japan, the opportunities for rising pianists to perform with an orchestra are by no means plentiful. Performances requiring large-scale ensembles involve immense costs, making the hurdles to realization very high. Furthermore, there exists a 'paradox of inexperience,' where one cannot get an opportunity unless they already have a track record. If this continues, Japan's talented youth may end up facing this crucial experience for the very first time on a high-stakes global stage.
Addressing this issue, PTNA, in co-sponsorship with The Symphony Hall in Osaka, launched the 'Grand Concerto' in 2022, featuring performances with the Kansai Philharmonic Orchestra led by Principal Conductor Sachio Fujioka. This project offers winners of the 'Special Grade'—the highest level of the PTNA Piano Competition—the opportunity to engage in full-scale performances with an orchestra. It is positioned as a stepping stone where talent recognized in the competition proceeds to practical stage experience, leading to further monumental leaps.
To date, many young pianists, including Masaya Kamei, Shiori Kuwahara, and Miyu Shindo, have taken flight from this very stage out into the world.
At the world's most prestigious international piano competitions, the final and most daunting barrier that stands in the way.
That is the 'performance with an orchestra (concerto).'
Unlike a solo performance, a concerto is an art of 'dialogue,' weaving music together with a conductor and orchestra members. Built on a foundation of solid technique, it demands the ability to listen to each other's sound, synchronize breathing, and flexibly alter expression in response to the acoustics born in that very moment. Such an experience cannot be gained simply by practicing endlessly in a rehearsal room. It is the actual on-stage experience that becomes the true 'wings' allowing a pianist to soar into the world.
However, currently in Japan, the opportunities for rising pianists to perform with an orchestra are by no means plentiful. Performances requiring large-scale ensembles involve immense costs, making the hurdles to realization very high. Furthermore, there exists a 'paradox of inexperience,' where one cannot get an opportunity unless they already have a track record. If this continues, Japan's talented youth may end up facing this crucial experience for the very first time on a high-stakes global stage.
Addressing this issue, PTNA, in co-sponsorship with The Symphony Hall in Osaka, launched the 'Grand Concerto' in 2022, featuring performances with the Kansai Philharmonic Orchestra led by Principal Conductor Sachio Fujioka. This project offers winners of the 'Special Grade'—the highest level of the PTNA Piano Competition—the opportunity to engage in full-scale performances with an orchestra. It is positioned as a stepping stone where talent recognized in the competition proceeds to practical stage experience, leading to further monumental leaps.
To date, many young pianists, including Masaya Kamei, Shiori Kuwahara, and Miyu Shindo, have taken flight from this very stage out into the world.