We are happy to announce that conductor Kazuki Yamada has been awarded the 76th (fiscal yr 2025) Minister of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology’s Art Encouragement Prize in the subject of Music.
The Art Encouragement Prizes are offered yearly by the Agency for Cultural Affairs to people who’ve achieved excellent outcomes or opened up new horizons in varied fields of the arts, each domestically and internationally. By awarding the Minister’s Prize, this initiative goals to encourage and promote creative actions in Japan.
Kazuki Yamada obtained the Minister’s Prize for his overwhelming presence and distinctive programming in Japan, along with his actions abroad, the place he’s primarily based. His musical achievements and exceptional momentum have been extremely evaluated, notably his performances of Mendelssohn with 4 orchestras in Osaka and The Philharmonic Chorus of Tokyo, in addition to his subscription live performance with the Japan Philharmonic Orchestra in November.
Please see the web site of the Agency for Cultural Affairs for an in depth description of the awards.(in Japanese solely)
https://www.bunka.go.jp/koho_hodo_oshirase/hodohappyo/94334801.html
【Kazuki Yamada commented on his award profitable】
“I am deeply honored and humbled to receive such a prestigious award. It has been nearly ten years since I was presented with the New Artist Award of the same prize, and receiving this honor now leads me to reflect on the many experiences I have had over the past decade.In my youth, I imagined that the mysteries of ‘conducting’ would gradually unravel as I grew older. The reality, however, has been quite the opposite; the mystery has only deepened. As the only performer who does not produce a sound, the unique nature of a conductor may be destined to perpetually contemplate a ‘question without an answer.’
Yet, I believe there is profound happiness in the very act of continuing to pursue that question. That happiness continues to grow, thanks to the orchestras, the many musicians I collaborate with, and the dedicated staff members.
I do not view this award as mine alone, but as one shared with all my colleagues. I hope to carry this honor as a source of inspiration for my future musical activities.”
Kazuki Yamada official web site: https://kazukiyamada.com/
Kazuki Yamada profile: https://www.japanarts.co.jp/en/artist/kazukiyamada/?=print