Sep 10: Legendary Japanese Pianist Izumi TATENO to Perform Left-Hand Recital in New Delhi  

NEW DELHI: The Embassy of Japan is proud to present a special evening of music featuring the world-renowned pianist, Izumi TATENO, in a left-hand piano recital on 10th September 2024.

Known for his extraordinary ability to perform with only his left hand, TATENO’s concert promises to be a celebration of resilience, talent, and a lifelong dedication to music.

 This extraordinary event will take place at 6:30 PM at the C.D. Deshmukh Auditorium, located in the India International Centre (IIC), New Delhi.

Born in 1936, TATENO is regarded as one of Japan’s greatest pianists. Over a career that spans decades, he has performed in over 3,500 concerts worldwide and released 130 recordings. His rise to international recognition began in 1968, when he secured second place at the prestigious Messiaen International Piano Competition.

TATENO’s impact on the global music scene was further recognized in 1976 when he was awarded the Order of the First Class Knight of the Lion of Finland by the Finnish government.

Throughout his illustrious career, TATENO has performed with some of the world’s top orchestras. He toured Japan with the Helsinki Philharmonic Orchestra in 1982 and 1988 and was a soloist for the Tokyo Philharmonic Orchestra’s European tour in 1984.

His notable performances include collaborations with the Prague Radio Symphony Orchestra in 1994 and appearances at the St. Petersburg White Nights Festival in 1995. He was also honored by the Japanese government for his contributions to international relations in 1996.

In 2002, tragedy struck when TATENO suffered an apoplectic stroke during a recital in Finland, paralyzing the right side of his body. Despite this life-altering event, he made an inspiring return to the concert stage in 2004, performing with only his left hand. His passion for music and his indomitable spirit have since captured the hearts of audiences worldwide.

TATENO’s left-hand piano repertoire has grown into a significant body of work. Composers from ten countries have written over 100 compositions specifically for him, including the renowned Takashi Yoshimatsu, who composed the first left-hand piano concerto in Japan in 2007.

TATENO has premiered numerous works and continues to explore new musical frontiers, all while contributing to the preservation and promotion of left-hand piano music through his Left Hand Music Library Foundation.

Event Details:

Date: 10th September 2024, Tuesday

Time: 6:30 PM

Venue: C.D. Deshmukh Auditorium, IIC main building,

40 Max Mueller Marg, New Delhi

TATENO’s accolades and recognition are numerous. He served as the artistic director for both the Finland Music Festival and the Nordic Light Sapporo Music Festival and founded the Oulunsalo Music Festival Izumi Tateno and His Friends.

He has performed under the baton of famed conductors such as Kurt Masur, Charles Dutoit, and Mariss Jansons, solidifying his place as a leading figure in the world of classical music.

In 2008, TATENO was awarded the Order of the Rising Sun, Gold Rays with Rosette, one of Japan’s highest civilian honors, and in 2019, he was named Friendship Envoy by the Embassy of Finland in Tokyo in recognition of his contributions to strengthening diplomatic ties between Japan and Finland.

This upcoming recital in New Delhi will showcase the culmination of a lifetime of artistry and perseverance, offering the audience a rare chance to witness a living legend.