Southeastern Piano Festival Winner Performs with S.C. Philharmonic
October 8, 2014
19-year-old pianist Hugo Kitano will be featured soloist at “Beethoven & Blue Jeans” concert
COLUMBIA, SC – From Carolina to China, Hugo Kitano has won recognition for his profound artistic maturity. The 19-year-old will join the South Carolina Philharmonic this Saturday, October 11, as featured piano soloist for the group’s opening performance of the season, “Beethoven & Blue Jeans.”
Robert Beale, writing in International Piano magazine, praised Kitano as”unusual for a player of his age and an excellent augury for the future.” Recent honors for Kitanoinclude second prize, the top prize awarded, at the Moscow Chopin Piano Competition hosted in Foshan, China, and first prize at the 2013 Southeastern Piano Festival (SEPF) Arthur Fraser International Piano Competition.As the first prize winner at SEPF, Kitano received a cash award and the opportunity to perform with the S.C. Philharmonic.
“It’s a joy to see how the Southeastern Piano Festival enriches the lives of the youth who participate and the cultural life of the Midlands,” said Marina Lomazov, SEPF founder and artistic director. “Our musical community is excited about the opportunity to welcome Hugo back to Columbia and to observe his artistic journey in-person.”
