Designed specifically for contestants gearing up for upcoming music competitions ! 

Pianist

Pianist Marco Fatichenti is an internationally acclaimed performer and recording artist who has appeared in some of the most prestigious venues across Europe and the United States. At the same time, he continues to be a much sought after pedagogue for his kind, considerate and dynamic approach to teaching.

He has received a Doctorate from King’s College London for his research on early-twentieth-century performance practices, with a particular interest in the aesthetic shifts taking place in Spain during the Civil War.

Described by Hilary Finch in The Times as ‘none other than Chopin incarnate’, he was hailed by the International Record Review for offering ‘a different and refreshing slant on Brahms from a vantage point south of the Alps’, and praised by International Piano for ‘marrying Romantic turbulence with Classical order’.

His performances include broadcasts by the Spanish RTVE, Irish RTE, Polskie Radio, and several BBC appearances.

Among his recent highlights are performances at London’s Wigmore Hall and Queen Elizabeth Hall, Birmingham’s Symphony Hall, Dublin’s Concert Hall, Madrid’s Auditorio Nacional, Barcelona’s Auditori, and Valencia’s iconic Palau de la Musica. He was also invited by the Italian Minister for Foreign Affairs to perform at the International EXPO in Zaragoza, Spain.

Marco’s critically acclaimed solo albums include music by Brahms, Stravinsky, Debussy, and Chopin.

Active both as recitalist and chamber musician, Marco is also an educator who is committed to promoting music and its societal value among diverse audiences.

Jazz bassist, composer

Born and raised in Kaoshima, Japan, Yujiro Yoshimine is a prodigious talent who discovered his passion for the electric bass at the tender age of 14. With a deep commitment and unwavering dedication to his craft, he swiftly propelled himself into the local music scene, becoming an indispensable asset to rock and funk bands in his city. Even during his high school years, Yujiro showcased his remarkable skills through captivating performances with these bands.

Eager to expand his musical horizons, Yujiro enrolled in Yamaha Popular Music School from 1998 to 2001, where he fervently delved into the realms of music theory, piano, and his beloved electric bass, acquiring a profound understanding that would shape his musical journey.

In pursuit of greater knowledge and growth, Yujiro embarked on a transformative journey in 2003, as he set foot in Texas to pursue a Bachelor's degree in Jazz Studies at the world-renowned University of North Texas (UNT). Under the esteemed guidance of Professor Lynn Seaton, Yujiro's talent flourished as he seamlessly integrated into various big bands and small groups, displaying his virtuosity to the world. Simultaneously, he seized every opportunity to make his mark in the vibrant Dallas-Fort Worth jazz scene, mesmerizing audiences at prestigious venues like Sanbuca Jazz Cafe, Scat Jazz Lounge, House of Blues Dallas, and Brooklyn Jazz Cafe. Notably, his rhythmic magic also graced the stages of the Denton Art and Jazz Festival.

Yujiro's extraordinary abilities granted him a coveted role as the host bass player at the renowned Sandaga Market Jam Session for over a year. This transformative experience brought him face-to-face with jazz legends, including the likes of Bernard Wright (Miles Davis Band, Marcus Miller), Bobby Sparks (Marcus Miller), and Shelley Carroll (Duke Ellington Orchestra, Tony Bennett), gifting him invaluable collaborations and memories that enriched his already illustrious journey.

Completing his undergraduate program at the University of North Texas during the summer of 2009, Yujiro eagerly embarked on a new chapter in his life. Drawn to the allure of New York City, he swiftly relocated to the heart of the bustling music scene to nurture his passion further. Since then, he has emerged as a distinctive force, leaving audiences mesmerized at eminent jazz venues such as Puppets Jazz Bar, Shrine, and Vox Pop.

With an indomitable spirit and unmatched talent, Yujiro Yoshimine has become a beacon of excellence in the realm of bass playing, showcasing his mastery on both national and international stages. As a revered member of the jury for this esteemed international music competition, his profound expertise and discerning ear will undoubtedly guide and inspire the participants towards reaching new heights and achieving musical greatness.

Awarded winning Clarinetist 

Timothy Carter has performed throughout America, Europe, and Asia as an orchestral, chamber, and solo clarinet player. In addition to classical music, he has also explored playing pop, jazz, and gypsy-rock fusion on an amplified clarinet.

He received his Bachelor of Music degree from The Juilliard School, and his Master of the Arts degree from The Juilliard School & City University of New York. Previously, he was Principal Clarinetist of the Nagoya Philharmonic Orchestra, and has also collaborated as an orchestral clarinetist with The New Japan Philharmonic Orchestra, The Tokyo Symphony, The Kioi Chamber Orchestra, and The Vienna Philharmonic (Toyota Master Players).

As a solo clarinetist, he was awarded top prizes at numerous international music competitions, including a unanimous 1st prize at Japan Clarinet Association’s Clarinet Competition. First album, “Clarinet Reinventions,” was released on the Fontec label in 2016. He has given masterclasses at many universities throughout China and Japan and is on the faculty of J.F. Oberlin University, Phoenix House International School, and The British School in Tokyo.

Violist 

Christina Knudson is an American violinist from Los Angeles, California, currently based in Kawasaki, Japan. She currently performs and tours throughout Japan with Tokyo-based IlluminArt Philharmonic Orchestra, and maintains her First Violin position with the California Symphony, where she often appears as Assistant Concertmaster. Additionally, Ms. Knudson has performed widely across the San Francisco Bay Area with Berkeley Symphony, Marin Symphony, Merced Symphony, Modesto Symphony, Monterey Symphony, Sacramento Symphony and Symphony Silicon Valley among others. She has participated in the National Repertory Orchestra in Colorado, the National Orchestral Institute in Maryland, and the Hot Springs Festival in Arkansas. During her stay in Hot Springs, Ms. Knudson appeared as a soloist with the Hot Springs Festival Orchestra for a masterclass with Janet Sung. Aside from her classical work, she has recorded with Indie Rock Bands such as The Family Crest and Elevate Ensemble and has performed with artists Zoe Keating, Third Eye Blind, Pink Martini, Yuki Koyanagi and Fuji Fumiya.

Ms. Knudson is a passionate educator and has taught violin for over 15 years. During the time she lived in the San Francisco Bay Area, she led the Napa Valley Youth Symphony’s Sinfonia String Ensemble, and developed a new program aimed at bridging younger students into the full orchestra program. Ms. Knudson is a registered Suzuki Violin Teacher and currently maintains a private violin studio from her home in Japan.

Ms. Knudson received her Bachelor of Music in Violin Performance from California State University, Long Beach as a full scholarship student, where she graduated magna cum laude. She completed her Master of Music from the San Francisco Conservatory of Music, and completed the Professional Studies Diploma program the following year as a scholarship student of Bettina Mussumeli. She previously studied with Phillip Levy, Bing Wang, Mateja Marinkovic, Chen Zhao, Kota Nagahara and Catherine Van Hoesen.

In 2022, Ms. Knudson began a recital series in Yokohama, with the goal of programming more female composers. She is currently researching and developing her next recital program, which intends to examine intersectionality between Japanese and American contributions to Western classical music.