Mitsuko Uchida

Mitsuko Uchida, a distinguished pianist and conductor, is known for her thoughtful and deliberate musical choices spanning Classical to Modern periods. Apart from being a renowned recitalist and chamber musician, she has also excelled as a soloist and guest conductor with orchestras worldwide since her early days in Vienna. Uchida's career highlights include her acclaimed interpretations of Mozart, Debussy, Schubert, and Beethoven, as well as her advocacy for modern composers like Schoenberg, Bartók, and Berg, drawing parallels between standard repertoire and contemporary works.

Born in Japan and later moving to Austria, Uchida's rebellious spirit and pursuit of artistic independence set her apart throughout her career. Her accolades include Grammy Awards, the Golden Mozart Medal, the Praemium Imperiale, and the Gold Medal from the Royal Philharmonic Society, with the honor of being named a Dame Commander of the Order of the British Empire after becoming a British citizen. Uchida's diverse repertoire and innovative collaborations continue to captivate audiences, with recent accomplishments including a Grammy-winning album of Schumann and Berg compositions and a celebrated recording of Beethoven's Diabelli Variations.