HIMARI will debut with the Berlin Philharmonic in March 2025 at 13 years old. (©Hitoshi Iwakiri)
Her slender right arm firmly holds the bow, gracefully eliciting complex melodies. Fingers on her left hand strike even the most rapid passages with impeccable pitch. Now at 13, Japanese violinist named HIMARI is capturing international attention.
She is set to debut with the Berlin Philharmonic — one of the world's premier orchestras — in the spring of 2025. Currently, she studies at the prestigious Curtis Institute of Music in the United States. "I can't imagine life without the violin," the prodigious violinist remarks. We spoke with her to delve deeper into her musical journey.
In March 2025, she is slated to perform as a soloist at a regular concert of the Berlin Philharmonic. It is extraordinarily rare for someone to debut at the Berlin Philharmonic at age 13. The announcement this past April surprised classical music enthusiasts worldwide.
At the tender age of seven, HIMARI had the opportunity to watch the Berlin Philharmonic rehearse during their tour in Japan. "It was so magnificent," she recalls, captivated by the experience. Ever since that moment, she has aspired to play alongside them.
Under the baton of conductor Zubin Mehta, she will perform Henryk Wieniawski's Violin Concerto No 1, renowned for its demanding virtuosity. "It's not just technical, it has musical elements that make it truly outstanding. While it's Enjoyable to play, the practice is almost hellish. My hands really hurt," she explained, clasping her hands together. She observed that her left-hand fingers, used to press the strings, are nearly a centimeter longer than those on her right, which holds the bow. "They've actually stretched. Isn't that incredible?"
An Early Prodegy
HIMARI began playing the violin at the age of three. Consistently recognized as a prodigious talent, she performed with a professional orchestra by six. In 2022, she became the youngest ever admitted to the prestigious Curtis Institute of Music in Philadelphia. Her move to the United States in the fifth grade was inspired by meeting Ida Kavafian. She herself is a renowned violinist with connections to illustrious musicians like Seiji Ozawa and Toru Takemitsu.
"At first, I was told, ‘You already have enough technique,'" HIMARI recalls. "Since then, I've focused on interpreting the music of the pieces. I used to enjoy playing vigorously, but studying at Curtis taught me the importance of musicality."
For example, she explores the meanings behind the notes and learns how to structure phrases while working on pieces like Beethoven's Sonatas. Since relocating to the US, her repertoire has significantly expanded.
Previously in Japan, she took six months to perfect a single piece. Now, she is often expected to be performance-ready in just two days. As a music student, she spends her days alongside classmates who are in their late teens and twenties. "My closest friend is 18 and incredibly talented, which inspires me. I find orchestra lessons fulfilling and prefer making music with others to playing solo," she shared.
HIMARI deeply values her mother's support. The two traveled to the US together. "Absolutely I couldn't have done it alone. I started playing the violin because my mom did," she shares gratefully. Back in Japan, she continues her education at a local middle school. She emphasized, "I enjoy studying, but playing the violin is currently more fun. I can't imagine life without it, I definitely want to be a musician."
Spreading Her Joy
From November to December 2024, she will host debut recitals across Osaka, Tokyo, Nagoya, and Fukuoka. Her repertoire for these performances includes Beethoven's Violin Sonata No 7, Wieniawski's Fantasie brillante sur Faust Op 20, and Toru Takemitsu's Distance de Fée.
She will also perform Corigliano's Red Violin Caprices, her first venture into contemporary music. This piece was inspired by a friend in a performance she heard at the Curtis Institute. "It sounds beautiful, but it's really difficult to play," she notes, seemingly relishing the challenge. "I carefully planned the program myself, ensuring it varied in its opening; I believe it's truly wonderful."
HIMARI has competed in over 40 domestic and international contests, securing first place in all of them. However, she does not plan to participate in future competitions. "Competitions are for myself, but concerts are for playing for others. I want to prioritize concerts, I love seeing the happy faces of the audience listening," she said with an unguarded smile.
Concert Information In Japan
HIMARI's Osaka concert is scheduled for December 1 at Sumitomo Life Izumi Hall in the city's Chuo Ward. It begins at 2 PM. Priority booking started on July 26 through ABC Pia. General ticket sales opened on July 28 at major ticket outlets.
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(Read the report in Japanese.)
Author: Naomi Yasuda
