Trio Kagura

The Wanaka Concert Society looks forward to welcoming Trio Kagura to Wanaka.     Based in Manchester, UK, the Trio comprises of Yuuki Bouterey-Ishido, a New Zealand cellist currently performing around the UK and Europe.    Yuuki has been invited to perform at major festivals around the world, including the Schnittke Festival in London and the Semaine Internationale Piano et musique de chambre in Switzerland. Other significant performances include solo recitals in Japan, Italy, and New Zealand. He also toured Europe extensively over three years as a member of the Menuhin Academy Soloists under the direction of Maxim Vengerov and has received numerous awards for solo cello as well as chamber music.     Japanese-born pianist Kanako Mizuno has achieved some remarkable feats in her young career. Successful as both soloist and accompanist, UK-based Mizuno has received a Global Talent Visa, and has been awarded numerous prizes and scholarships in recognition of her skilful piano playing. Winning placements include Japan Player’s Competition, the Young Artist Piano Competition, Le Brilant French Music Competition, Tokyo Piano Competition and Japan Classical Music Competition.    Pijus Jonušas is a Lithuanian violinist from Vilnius. A keen chamber musician and teacher, Pijus studied at the Royal Conservatoire in The Hague with Peter Brunt and at the Royal Northern College of Music in Manchester UK with Pavel Fischer. Pijus has collaborated with such artists as Magnus Johnston, Guy Johnston, John Ryan, Timothy Ridout, Petr Prause, Susie Meszaros and Abel Salacoe. In 2019, Pijus joined the Elmore Quartet and in 2021 was appointed as a Junior Fellow with the Quartet at the Royal Northern College of Music. He currently performs as a member of Trio Kagura.     Trio Kagura are currently Britten Pears Arts’ Artists in Residence. The name Kagura is taken from the Japanese word for ritual music and dance that is performed to bring joy and peace to the community.