KITAZUME, Michio

Born in Tokyo in 1948, Michio Kitazume has been recognized internationally for his works ranging a wide variety of ensembles. He studied composition, piano, and conducting at the Tokyo University of the Arts before joining the collaborative group of composers and performers known as “Ensemble Vent d’Orient” in 1977 which won the First Nakajima Kenzo Music Prize in 1983. Kitazume studied in Paris for one year under the overseas study program of the Agency for Cultural Affairs in 1979. Notably, his piece “Ei-Sho for Orchestra” won both the Otaka Prize and the Grand-Prix of IRC-UNESCO in 1994 and 1995, respectively. In 2001 he received the Otaka Prize again for his piece “Scenes of the Earth for Orchestra”.  In 2002, “Clarinet Concerto” was premiered by Stanley Drucker and Kioi Sinfonietta Tokyo, conducted by Tadaaki Otaka. As part of its annual solo exhibition concert series “A Profile of a Composer,” Suntory Foundation featured Kitazume’s orchestral works in 2003 which won the 22nd Nakajima Kenzo Music Prize. Since 2008, Kitazume’s interest in wind orchestra has led him annually to produce “Band Restoration,” a project that has eight school brass bands premiere 8 new pieces for wind ensemble by contemporary composers. Kitazume won the 23rd Japan Academic Society of Winds, Percussion and Brass Award in 2013. Sonically, his works often originate from his dialogic relationship with nature. Michio Kitazume is professor emeritus of Aichi Prefectural University of Fine Arts and Music.　CD： “Orchestral works by Michio Kitazume” fontec/FOCD2514, “MICHIO KITAZUME A profile of a composer” fontec/FOCD3505  etc.