Kenshi Miyatani
he/him
horn
Hometown: Tokyo
Alma mater: Curtis Institute of Music
Photo credit
Appearances
Wichita Symphony Orchestra
What is your earliest memory of classical music?
My mother played a recording of Ravel’s Pavane pour une infante défunte as a lullaby every night when I was baby.
Who is your biggest inspiration?
My former teachers: Tsutomu Maruyama in Tokyo, and Jeff Lang and Jen Montone in Philadelphia.
Which composer or genre of music do you feel you connect with the most?
As a horn player: Mahler, Strauss, Mozart, and Brahms. As a listener: Ravel, Chopin, and Debussy.
What is your favorite piece of music, and why do you love it?
Mahler’s 9th Symphony. I can’t stop crying through the entire piece.
What has been your favorite experience as a musician?
A few years ago, I played Beethoven’s Septet with faculty members of the Curtis Institute of Music in a concert. It was like a miracle to play chamber music with such wonderful people.
If you could play another instrument, what would it be?
Cello or trombone. I really enjoy listening to their music.
If you weren’t a musician, what would you be doing?
I wanted to be a math teacher or scientist when I was a child.
Piece of advice for a young classical musician
Please enjoy experiencing many genres of music, and find the way to your goal!