An evening tracing the evolution of keyboard expression—from the clarity of the Baroque to the evocative colors of Impressionism—will be presented by Japanese pianist Makoto Kessoku, in a solo recital on April 26, 2026.
Currently based in New York and New Jersey, Kessoku has been steadily building a reputation for her refined technique and expressive depth. This recital offers a thoughtfully curated program that highlights both structural brilliance and poetic imagination across eras.
The program features:
Scarlatti: Sonata in F minor, K.466
Mozart: Piano Sonata in D major, K.576
Chopin: Ballade No. 4 in F minor, Op. 52
Debussy: Images, Book I
Spanning from the intricate elegance of Domenico Scarlatti to the atmospheric soundscapes of Claude Debussy, the performance showcases a rich spectrum of color, virtuosity, and musical storytelling.
This recital marks an important moment in Kessoku’s artistic journey as she continues to expand her presence in the United States.
Event Information
Event Title: Makoto Kessoku Piano Recital
Date & Time: Sunday, April 26, 2026 at 7:30 PM
Place: Opera America
Address：330 7th Ave 7th Floor, New York, NY 10001
Tickets: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/makoto-kessoku-piano-recital-tickets-1983634691761
Artist Profile
Makoto Kessoku is a Japanese pianist based in New York and New Jersey, active as both a performer and educator.
She completed both her Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in the Virtuoso Course at Musashino Academia Musicae. In 2025, she furthered her studies at the Indiana University Jacobs School of Music, where she completed the Diploma Course.
Kessoku has received numerous awards, including First Prize at the 9th Beten Piano Competition National Finals and the Silver Prize at the 20th Chopin International Piano Competition in Asia (National Finals), along with an Encouragement Award at the Asia Finals.
In January 2025, she performed as a soloist with the Tokyo International Arts Association Orchestra, presenting Rachmaninoff’s Piano Concerto No. 2.
She has studied with Mayumi Hayashi, Keiko Sunohara, Susumu Aoyagi, Nobuyuki Nagaoka, Edward Auer, and Sofya Gulyak, and has participated in masterclasses with Kemal Gekić, Bruno Rigutto, Elisabeth Leonskaja, and Eteri Andjaparidze.
While rooted in classical music, her artistic activities extend across genres including pop, with appearances in diverse concerts and live performances. She has also collaborated with a local radio station on a CD production project.
She is currently based in NY and NJ, where she continues her work as both a performer and educator.
