Mieko Miyazaki

Born in Tokyo, Japan, Mieko Miyazaki began her study of the koto, as well as the shamisen, under master musicians Tomizo Huruya and Sachiko Tamura. Her early training earned her admission to the elite Tokyo National University of Fine Arts and Music, during which she received a prestigious invitation to perform as the lead ensemble performer for the Emperor and Empress of Japan at the Imperial Palace. The year following her graduation from university in 1992, she went on to win the highest awards at musical auditions organized by the NHK-FM national radio station. A versatile performer of both classical and modern styles, she has given many performances both in Japan and abroad, and has represented Japan as an artist at worldwide international cultural events sponsored by the Japan Foundation. During this early period of her career, she demonstrated her capabilities as a lyricist and songwriter by producing numerous original compositions featured in Japanese children’s TV programs. In 2003, her composition “The Current,” released as the duo East Current with shakuhachi master Fujiwara Dozan, was selected as one of the 30 most beautiful compositions for the koto of all time. She has created an association of leading young koto musicians, which researches and gives presentations on traditional Japanese music. Shamisen master Miyako Itchu lauded her technically demanding compositions and encouraged her to study Tokiwazu, a form of Kabuki Theater, to further deepen her understanding of traditional Japanese music. In 2005 she moved to France to explore new possibilities for the koto. In Europe, she has given solo concerts throughout Europe and even in such exotic locations as Turkey and the Cairo Opera House. She continues to premiere music by leading composers written specially for the koto. During New Music Week at the Bordeaux Regional Conservatory, she premiered six new koto compositions written by students and professors, including Jean-Yves Bosseur, further raising awareness of koto music in the West. She formed Trio Miyazaki with Bruno Maurice (accordion) and Manuel Solans (violin), and in 2008 released the album “Sai-ko” (Daqui label), which was recommended by the French music periodical TRAD. A performance by the Trio at a bunraku performance at the Louvre drew acclaim from the audience and bunraku masters alike. In 2009 she formed SAIYUKI (ACT Music) with jazz guitar virtuoso Nguyen Le and Indian tabla percussionist Probhu Edouard. The ensemble embarked on a world tour during which she performed throughout Europe, the U.S. and Africa. In 2010 she collaborated with Corsican Polyphony leader Voce Ventu to release the album “TESSI TESSI” (Daqui), the process of which was captured in a documentary, “Shima-jima ga Deau Toki,” (when islands meet), which received high praise upon its premiere. She wrote the music and performed together on tour for the Ariadone Carlotta Ikeda dance company’s new production Chez Ikkyu. Today she remains busily involved in performing with artists across many genres, appearing on radio programs, and lecturing on Asian music.