Yuki Negishi, pianist

When I was 8 or 9 years old living in New York, my father took me to many concerts at Lincoln Center and Carnegie Hall, particularly piano recitals. I heard Richard Goode, Radu Lupu, Maurizio Pollini, etc – all the contemporary greats –  and those experiences have definitely influenced me profoundly.  A decade later, Jan Marisse Huizing, who I went to study with in Amsterdam then introduced me to a myriad of historical recordings, including those still rare at the time by Raoul Koczalski,  Mikuli’s pupil (making him a direct descendant of Chopin’s lineage). That was a revelation. During my teens, my teacher in Japan, Mikako Abe guided me to pursue “truth” in interpretation, and this was later cemented by many lessons with Dominique Merlet, who I consider to be the most responsible for making me whole as an artist.

What have been the greatest challenges of your career so far?

When I was diagnosed with breast cancer in July 2012, my world felt like it had come to an end. In order to undergo treatments which included chemotherapy, I cancelled all of my engagements and took time off for nearly nine months. This was actually a blessing in disguise as it helped me reflect and it reinvigorated my love for music. The recurrence five years later was an even greater challenge in that I decide to honour my commitments and underwent surgery and radiotherapy without cancelling any concerts or teaching. It was tough but I learned about myself – not just my limits but also power that I didn’t know I had. 

Which performances/recordings are you most proud of?

There are too many (performances) to say which one..! I try to give my all for each performance so it really doesn’t matter where I play –  each concert leaves me with things to improve. I think I am still growing to be a better musician, especially in the last few years, and wonderful venues do help in making it a memorable performance: for example, the concerts in Japan that I have been giving regularly since 2017 – a combination of solo recitals and chamber music. I have been doing a lot of online performances since March, and I am quite happy with the programmes and the amount of preparation I was able to have due to more time spent at home. 

Which particular works/composers do you think you perform best?

Chopin, Schumann, Schubert, Debussy. I have been spending a lot of time with Beethoven this year, a composer I personally used to find awkward, and I am enjoying every moment. He is a true revolutionary and a rock star!! I also love modern music, recently jazz-fused music, such as Kapustin. I also adore chamber music, particularly Brahms.

What do you do off stage that provides inspiration on stage?

I like to read, watch films, go for walks and travel. I also love chats with friends from all walks of life, usually over a good meal! I listen voraciously to music of all genres (recently more non-classical, thanks to my husband’s taste!)

How do you make your repertoire choices from season to season?

It is usually intuitive, but I like to find threads in themes. I usually include some Chopin and Debussy, maybe anniversary composers, along with more contemporary music, recently Kapustin, and also unknown female composers such as Amy Beach and Margaret Bonds. Their music is so deep, interesting and beautiful. 

Do you have a favourite concert venue to perform in and why?

Toppan Hall in Tokyo for its perfect acoustics and top quality instrument.