Hailing from the historic city of Kyoto, Japan, Karen Kanagawa is a young violinist who began her musical journey at age six, captivating audiences with her profound artistry and exceptional technique. At eight, she enrolled in the Kyoto City University of Arts Music Faculty’s “Kyoto Children’s Music School,” and the following year, made her solo debut after passing the audition for the 62nd Regular Concert. At nine, she won the Gold Prize at the 31st Kyoto Children’s Violin Competition, marking the start of a brilliant career. Since age eleven, she has been a member of the renowned “Super Kids Orchestra (SKO)” led by world-class conductor Yutaka Sado, performing at prestigious events such as the East Japan Earthquake Reconstruction Memorial Concert, the Hanoi Performance for the 50th Anniversary of Japan-Vietnam Diplomatic Relations, and the 41st National Conference for Creating Rich Seas in the presence of Their Majesties the Emperor and Empress of Japan.
In 2025, Karen secured the Gran Premio in the Stella Division and the Gold Prize in the Cultura Division at the 18th Concorso MusicArte in Italy. Since 2023, she has amassed 13 awards in international and domestic competitions. Notable achievements include the Gold Prize and Special Award at the 6th Vienna International Music Competition (Junior Division), where she was unanimously praised for her “outstanding talent and moving performance” and honored by the Artistic Committee for her artistry, the championship title in the Youth Division at the 25th Osaka International Music Competition, and 2nd Prize (highest awarded) in the String Instrument Middle School Division at the 25th Great Wall Cup International Music Competition. She has also earned top placements in the Aoniyoshi Music Competition, Cecilia International Music Competition, Ashiya Music Competition, Shimoda International Music Competition, and Japan Classical Music Competition.
Her international training is equally impressive. In 2023, at age 13, she studied under Professor Michael Frischenschlager at the Vienna University of Music and Performing Arts’ Spring Masterclass, receiving high praise that inspired her to pursue global challenges. In the summer of 2024, she completed the Salzburg Mozarteum Summer International Music Academy, earning a diploma. She studied under Professor Katsuya Matsubara through the Tokyo University of the Arts’ Early Education Project 2023 and has consistently participated in Professor Esther Hafner’s masterclasses at the Vienna University of Music. Her primary teachers include Riko Murase and, since age 12, Mauro Iurato, with additional guidance from luminaries such as Kazuki Sawa, Akiko Ono, Federico Agostini, Mayuko Ishigami, and Marlene Ito, Principal Second Violinist of the Berlin Philharmonic.
Karen’s performance schedule is vibrant. In 2024, she performed at the Sumitomo Life Izumi Hall for the 10th Aoniyoshi Music Competition Winners’ Concert and made her joint recital debut in July. In 2023, she appeared at the Rokko Mountain Open-Air Concert “New Generation Maestro ‘Young Talent’ Violin Concert” . She has also performed at multiple competition winners’ concerts and events. Additionally, she was granted the use of an Eliza Scrollavezza violin through the 3rd Gifu String Instrument Loan Project [STROAN], furthering her exploration of tonal possibilities.
Driven by her aspiration to “bring inspiration and healing to people worldwide through music,” Karen continues to refine her craft with gratitude and dedication. Her sound, serene yet powerful like the breeze of Kyoto, resonates deeply with listeners.
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