Japanese cellist Michiaki Ueno is one of today’s brightest rising stars. His impeccable technique and exceptional musicality have garnered international acclaim, highlighted by the 1st Prize and three special awards at the Geneva International Music Competition in 2021. Michiaki has shared the stage with legendary artists such as Martha Argerich and Mischa Maisky as chamber partners. On November 27th and 30th, Michiaki will be in Hong Kong for two performances, including his debut with the Hong Kong Sinfonietta. He will also collaborate with renowned Hong Kong pianist Colleen Lee and present a solo recital program.
Michiaki Ueno’s performance of Lutoslawski’s Cello Concerto in the final round of the Geneva International Music Competition:
Michiaki has a rather interesting childhood. He was born in Paraguay and spent his childhood mostly in Spain.
“I was brought up in a musical family. My mother is a pianist, and my two older sisters play piano and violin. I loved singing when I was little and often watched videos of the Three Tenors. I also used to play with my sister’s violin like a toy until one day, I saw Yo-Yo Ma performing Bach. I told my parents I wanted to play the cello, and after a year of begging, I finally started learning it at age five, just before we moved to Spain.”
Michiaki Ueno
Michiaki made his soloist debut at the prestigious Suntory Hall at just eleven years old, performing Lalo’s Cello Concerto, which he will also be playing with the Hong Kong Sinfonietta.
“The Lalo concerto is especially meaningful to me, as it was the first concerto I performed with an orchestra when I was 11. With its Spanish flavour, it brings back wonderful memories of my childhood.”
This debut in Hong Kong will mark Michiaki’s first collaboration with the Hong Kong Sinfonietta, Maestro Rodolfo Barraez, and pianist Colleen Lee. He will begin the solo recital with J.S. Bach’s Suite No. 1 in G for Unaccompanied Cello, BWV 1007, followed by Schubert’s Sonata for Arpeggione and Piano in A minor, D. 821, Liszt’s La Lugubre Gondola, S.134, and concluding with Chopin’s Sonata for Cello and Piano in G minor, Op. 65. It’s a beautifully curated program. Although Michiaki has never worked with Colleen before, her performances on YouTube have inspired his programming for this concert.
J.S. Bach’s Cello Suite no.1 BWV 1007 in G major
“I wanted to open the recital with a composer I feel deeply connected to, Bach. I also came across a video of Ms. Colleen Lee playing Chopin beautifully online, which inspired me to feature Chopin as our main focus. Schubert and Liszt will make a great complement to the program.”
Having two performances almost back-to-back with different programs can be challenging, but Michiaki is confident in his ability to manage his practice time effectively.
“I can’t cover all the pieces in one day, so I divide them across two days and rotate. The recital program requires more preparation time than the concerto, and naturally, I spend extra time on the pieces where I feel less secure.”
Playing with a piano versus an orchestra can be a very different experience, and I wonder how Michiaki feels about it.
“Ultimately, the goal of making music is the same: to touch people’s hearts, though the approach differs slightly. Both settings are deeply fulfilling for me. In a duo with a piano, the intimacy allows for even more spontaneous reactions compared to playing with an orchestra. On the other hand, the incredible colour palette of an orchestra creates a grand and immersive feeling that is truly unique. I’m very grateful to have experienced both in Hong Kong.”
Michiaki Ueno will be performing with the Hong Kong Sinfonietta on the 27th and 30th of November 2024.
Learn more about Michiaki Ueno.
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