
Soichiro KAWABE
He started playing the violin at the age of three.
He received Third Prize in the High School Division (Violin), National Finals, at the 29th Japan Classical Music Competition, and Third Prize (Highest Award) in the Viola Division at the National Finals of the 32nd edition of the same competition.
He was also a prizewinner at the 28th Concours Marronnier 21, and received First Prize and the Outstanding New Artist Award at the 77th Tokyo International Arts Association New Artist Audition. Further distinctions include the Highest Award in the University and Open Division of the 10th K Junior & Student Music Competition, First Prize at the 4th K Chamber Music Competition, and Second Prize (Highest Award) at the Salzburg–Mozart International Chamber Music Competition 2022 in Tokyo.
He has received numerous other awards in Japan and abroad.
He has performed and participated in the Toho Chamber Music Concert, Ozawa International Chamber Music Academy Okushiga, MMCJ, Project Q Chapters 21, 22, and 23, Le Pont Music Festival, Viola Space, Miyazaki International Music Festival, Kiso Music Festival, Kitakyushu Music Festival, Viola Masterclass Series , and more. He participated in the 42nd Kirishima International Music Festival as a scholarship student. In addition to his activities as a soloist and chamber musician, he has appeared as a guest principal with major orchestras in Japan.. He has received the 34th and 35th Matsuo Academic Promotion Foundation Grants.
He has studied violin under Hiroshi Hashimoto, Shizuko Ishii, and Keiko Urushiara. He has also studied chamber music under Nobuko Yamazaki, Koichiro Harada, Kazuhide Isomura, and Kikuei Ikeda. He has also studied viola under Ryo Sasaki and Toshihiko Ichitsubo. He graduated from the music department of Toho Gakuen School of Music (co-ed) and the violin department of Toho Gakuen University, and is currently enrolled in the master's program at the Tokyo University of the Arts Graduate School. He is a fellow of the 7th and 8th terms of the Suntory Hall Chamber Music Academy.