Makoto Nakura, marimbist
“Some might say that Nakura’s artistry transcends his instrument, but this is wrong. Rather, he has taken his instrument and transformed it into an extraordinary tool for the most unique expression.”
— South China Morning Post (Hong Kong))
Marimbist Makoto Nakura is a musician whose artistry and astonishing virtuosity has been mesmerizing audiences for a quarter of a century. In 1994, Makoto moved from his native Japan to New York City, becoming the first marimbist to win first prize in the prestigious Young Concert Artists International Auditions. His critically acclaimed performances around the world have included venues in London, Paris, Berlin, Tokyo, Hong Kong, Seoul, Montreal, Mexico City, Sao Paulo and Buenos Aires.
In the U.S., he has performed for audiences in 41 of the 50 states, with orchestras such as the New York Chamber Symphony, the Chicago Sinfonietta and the Los Angeles Chamber Orchestra and, as a recital soloist, his long list of appearances includes Carnegie’s Weill Recital Hall and Washington’s Kennedy Center. A television portrait of Mr. Nakura was shown on CBS News Sunday Morning throughout the U.S.
Born in Kobe, Japan, Mr. Nakura began to play the marimba at the age of eight. He earned both Bachelor's and Master's degrees from Musashino College in Tokyo and continued his studies at the Royal Academy of Music in London from which he was named an Associate.
His latest album “Bach Parallels” was released in 2020 to critical acclaim and a collection of his concert favorites, the CD “Tears and Prayers”, won the “New Prominent Master” award from the Japan Association of Professional Recording Studios in 2019. His other CDs include three discs devoted to works especially written for him (“Ritual Protocol”, “Triple Jump” and “Wood and Forest”) and two discs of the transcriptions of Bach (“Bach Beat” and “Bach Beat II”). The volumes of his marimba transcriptions, “Bach Chorales” and “Concert Favorites” have been published by Kazenone Music Publications.
Mr. Nakura is currently hosting a radio program “My Favorite New York” on Japan’s only classical music station OTTAVA.