Mana Tokuno-Jazz Pisnist-

Mana Tokuno, pianist

Born in Toyama, Japan, in 1978, Mana Tokuno began music lessons at age six. In 1992, she began studying with Midori Tanabe (former professor at Tokyo National University of Fine Arts and Music) in Tokyo, which influenced her musical development very much.

In 2001, she earned her bachelor of music degree with honors and Doseikai Prize from Tokyo National University of Fine Arts and Music. She went on to study with Victor Rosenbaum at The New England Conservatory of Music in Boston, where she received her master of music degree with academic honors and played with the NEC Orchestra at her commencement concert.

Since her childhood, Mana has been the winner of numerous awards, including many competitions in Japan, Valsesia Musica in Italy (Semi-Finalist, and Special Prize for her interpretation of Schubert Sonata in A Major, D.959), Corpus Christy International competition in Texas (Sixth place and special Leo Sirota Award for her Schubert Sonata in A Major,D.959), and the Susan L. Tajra Music Scholarship in France.

In June 2003, she was one of six pianists selected from all over the world to participate in The Daniel Barenboim Workshop: The Beethoven Sonatas, presented by Carnegie Hall. Again, in January and March 2004, she was selected as one of four pianists to participate in The Leon Fleisher Workshop: The Late Schubert Sonatas, and performed at Carnegie Weill Recital Hall.

First Prize winner of the Competition International (New Mexico) also Special Jury Awards at the Corpus Christi International Competition and the International Competition Valssesia Musica in Varallo, Italy. Ms. Tokuno was selected to perform in the 7th International Chopin and Friends Festival in New York City in 2005.

In addition to an active solo schedule of performing throughout the US and Japan, she often collaborates with singers and other instrumentalists.

She is also enthusiastic about sharing the music with children. In 2000, she presented a series of lecture concerts in the elementary schools in the US and Japan. Currently she resides in Boston, Massachusetts, and is active as solo recitalist, chamber musician and music coach.

Ms. Tokuno is a faculty member of Phillips Academy in Andover, Ma. and has taught at

the New England Conservatory Preparatory School and Continuing Educations.

CRITICS COMMENTS:

"Ms Tokuno made a brilliant impression with Enescu's Suite #2 in D Major, Op.10, which is

wonderfully well written for the instrument. Her exciting interpretation had drive, virtuosity,

textural and coloristic diversity. Ms Tokuno's limpid singing tone, amazing technical clarity,

rhythmic drive and disarming expressivity stole the show".... Harris Goldsmith.

"Though she possesses technique of the highest order, she is a musician first:.. GM

"Poetry in motion, velvet touch and extraordinary control of pianissimo playing" ...GM

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