Kaori Muraji

Name: Muraji Kaori (村治 佳織)
Born: 14th April, 1978 (Tokyo, Japan)

Profile: She is a Japanese classical guitarist, and the first Japanese artist to have signed an exclusive international contract with Decca Music Group. She is considered as one of the most prominent classical guitarists of today, and her challenges and activities are always regarded with keen interest by the entire classical music community.

History: Kaori received her first lessons on the guitar from her father Noboru Muraji at the age of 3. From 10, she continued her studies with the renowned guitarist Shinichi Fukuda. From quite early on, her presence was dominant in competitions, winning the 1989 Junior Guitar Competition, and the 1991 the Student Guitar Competition for all categories.

In 1992, Kaori won both the Leo Brower International Guitar Competition (Tokyo) and the Tokyo International Guitar Competition. In 1993, she gave her debut recital at Tsuda Hall in Tokyo, which was soon followed by the release of her debut CD 'Espressivo'. Her orchestra debut came in 1994 with the Japan Philharmonic Orchestra, and in 1995 she joined Orchestra Sinfonica Nazionale della RAI as soloist in Turin. This concert, which was broadcasted on TV throughout Europe, marked her European debut.

Kaori continued on with her musical education, and in 1997 she went to study under Albert Ponce at Ecole Normale de Musique in Paris. In 1999, she had the extraordinary opportunity to perform for the legendary Joaquin Rodrigo's compositions, 'Tiento antigno' and 'En los trigales'. With her graduation from Ecole Normale that year, she returned to Japan to vigorously pursue her solo career. She performed with the major orchestras of Japan, including the NHK Symphony Orchestra, and gained a wide national following.

In the meantime, Kaori’s musical world continued to expand: her first chamber music collaboration came in 2000 when she joined the Vogler Quartet on their Japan tour, and her long time wish to perform in other Asian countries was realized as she gave her first Korean recital at the Seoul Arts Center.

Kaori’s international relationships continued to flourish. In 2006/07 season, Kaori participated in La Folle Journee de Nantes, had some recitals in west coast of USA. In 2008/09 season, Kaori toured in Japan and Korea with Bachochester des Gewandhauses zu Leipzig and Orchestre de Chambre National de Toulouse. In April 2009, she invited the Spanish orchestra, Orquesta Sinfónica de Galicia as a soloist of their subscription concert.

Influences: Shinichi Fukuda

Axology: Unknown

Signature song(s): The Summer Knows (Theme from "The Summer of 42') - Kaori Muraji (Lumieres, 2006) and Jongo - Kaori Muraji (Portrait, 2010)

Link(s):

http://www.musicachiara.com/dulcinea/ (Official website)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zq3rSwX4QHM

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cF-0fqRDhXY