Maki Sekiya Piano   

Born in 1978 in Tokyo, Japan, Maki Sekiya began her piano studies at the age of 4, and then continued with M.Maruya. Maki's public career began in 1988, when the ten-year old pianist appeared on Japanese television; later that year she appeared in several of the biggest halls in Tokyo. In 1989, Maki and her family moved to London, where she enrolled in the Purcell School and began studies with Professor B.Kaplan. Soon thereafter, Maki won two prizes at international competitions: First Prize in the International Competition in Senegal (1991); and Third Prize in the Maria Callas Competition in Barcelona. Following these successes, Maki appeared in numerous solo and concerto concerts throughout the UK, as well as Israel.

In 1996, Maki moved to Russia, and entered the Moscow State Conservatory, studying under Professor G.Gornostaeva; upon graduation, she began post-graduate study at the Conservatory, under Prof. M.Olenev. Since moving to Russia, she has continued with her concert career, making numerous appearances in concerts and festivals in Russia, Ukraine, Japan, Bulgaria, and the UK. She has likewise continued to earn prizes in competitions - including First Prize in the Music and Earth International Competition (Bulgaria, 2001) and 5th Prize in the Tbilisi International Piano Compeition (Georgia, 2001), and First Prize in the "Sailer" Competition (Bulgaria, 2003).

As seen in the selections found at the Classical Archives, Maki possesses impressive technique and keen musical instincts; she performs works of a broad reportorial range, from Mozart to 20th century masterworks by Debussy, Ravel, and Stravinsky, as well as more contemporary works - including a work by fellow Moscow State Conservatory student Dilyara Gabitova, whose works are likewise found at the Classical Archives. Clearly, Maki is a young pianist to watch, and we are delighted to feature her music.