“Perfect technique, a light touch, fast, and virtuosic.”

Some talents grow into artistry. Aimi Kobayashi bas born into it. She played her first notes by the piano at three years old, embarked on an international career at only nine years old, today is one of the most sought-out pianists of the young generation. She is regarded as one of the most astonishing pianists of her generation, whose playing combines visionary and poetic artistry with dazzling technical assurance. 

Japanese pianist Kobayashi became internationally known by many at the 2021 Chopin Competition in Warsaw where she received both the Fourth Prize and recognition for her exceptional talent. Before that, she had already had competition success at a young age. She won the Junior Section prize at the Asia-Pacific International Chopin Piano Competition in Korea in 2009, was awarded the gold medal at the Asia International Chopin Competition for her performance in the concerto section in 2011, and in the same year, won the Yasuko Fukuda Prize. In 2012, she won Third Prize at the Gina Bachauer International Young Artists Piano Competition. 

Koayashi played her first recital at Carnegie Hall for the JapanNYC Festival, of which Seiji Ozawa was the musical director, before performing a recital at Tokyo Opera City the following month. After that, she has done and achieved a lot in her career. She has recorded works by Bach, Beethoven, Chopin, and Liszt for Warner Classics. In addition to recital concerts, she has already performed with several major orchestras, both in Japan and overseas. In 2015, she became one of the ten finalists at the 17th Chopin Piano Competition, chosen from 452 entrants across 45 countries. 

In Japan, Kobayashi regularly performs with the Yomiuri Nippon Symphony Orchestra, the Japan Philharmonic Orchestra, and the New Japan Philharmonic.In July 2019, she performed Mozart’s Piano Concerto No. 20 in D minor, K. 466, with the Orchestre Philharmonique Royal de Liège under Christian Arming. In March 2020, she performed Liszt’s Piano Concerto No. 1 in E-flat major with the Tonhalle-Orchester Zürich under Kristiina Poska. In October 2024, she performed Ravel’s Piano Concerto in G with the Tokyo Symphony Orchestra under Krzysztof Urbański. In November 2024, she played Rachmaninov’s Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini, Op. 43, with Tugan Sokhiev conducting the Münchner Philharmoniker.

Kobayashi’s latest recording is of Schubert's works, which we will also get to hear as part of her programme in Mänttä. Her playing combines technical brilliance, exceptional sense of style, and an intense presence in a way that makes every concert special. We will get to witness these qualities Kobayashi is known for in person at the Mänttä Music Festival.

See more on the artist's website!