Takahashi, Aki

innovative Japanese pianist, sister of YUJI TAKAHASHI; b. Kakamura, Sept. 6, 1944. She studied first with her mother, then with Yutaka Ito, (Miss) Ray Lev, and George Vásárhelyi at the Tokyo Univ. of the Arts (M.A., 1969). Her European debut followed in 1972.

While acknowledged for her classical musicianship, Takahashi is particularly lauded for her imaginative interpretations of contemporary works. Among the composers who have written works for her are JOHN CAGE, FREDERIC RZEWSKI, YOJI YUASA, and MORTON FELDMAN. Her recording career is also distinguished. Her Aki Takahashi Piano Space (20 works, including those by LUCIANO BERIO, PIERRE BOULEZ, Cage, KARLHEINZ STOCKHAUSEN, ANTON WEBERN, et al.) earned her the Merit Prize at the Japan Art Festival in 1973. Her series of SATIE concerts performed in Tokyo (1975-77) heralded the so-called "Satie Boom" in Japan and resulted in her editing and recording the composer's complete piano works.

Other noteworthy recordings include Triadic Memories (Feldman), Planetary Folklore (MAMORU FUJIEDA), Eonta (IANNIS XENAKIS), and L'Histoire de Babar (FRANCIS POULENC). Her Hyper Beatles (1990) features arrangements of BEATLES songs by internationally recognized composers.

In addition to performing throughout Europe, Japan, and the U.S., Takahashi has also devoted time to teaching. She was artist-in-residence at the State University of N.Y. at Buffalo (1980-81) and a guest professor at the California Institute of the Arts in Valencia (1984). She received the 1st Kenzo Nakajima prize (1982) and the 1st Kyoto Music Award (1986). In 1983 she became director of the "New Ears" concert series in Yokohama.