About the“Duo Hayashi” International Competition

There are many competitions in the world, but only few are held for Duos. For us, it is important that not only two highly skilled musicians play together, but also they have studied the scores well and try together to create the music which the composer had in mind. In order to reach that level, a long period of time and proficiency is required. That is why the age limit for this competition is higher than the other competitions. We look forward to meeting Duos, especially who have worked a long way with their efforts.

Yukako Hayashi(piano) and Toshiaki Hayashi(cello) first met at the Toho Gakuen School of Music, started to play as the Duo in 1973 and flew to Europe in 1977. They studied under the worldwide well known cellists such as W. Pleeth, A. Navarra, P. Fournier and A. Janigro. After graduating from "Accademia Nazionale di Santa Cecilia" with highest honors in 1980, Duo Hayashi performed at more than 60 concerts mainly in Italy. Two of their CDs received the highest rating of five-stars.They have won the prizes at Trapani International Chamber Music Competition, Vittorio Gui International Chamber Music Competition and Sergio Lorenzi International Chamber Music Competition. Even after returning to Japan, Duo Hayashi flew back to Europe to hold concerts and master classes in Marche, Italy every year. In 2011, they were awarded the Giordaniello Award by the City of Fermo for their long-time contribution to Italy. Since 2013, they established the “Duo Hayashi International Competition for Duos” which is held every three years in Santa Vittoria in Matenano in Marche, Italy. Toshiaki Hayashi played the cello at I Virtuosi di Roma and Santa Cecilia National Academy Orchestra. In 1987, he returned to Japan and became the principal cellist of the Osaka Philharmonic Orchestra (until 1995) and then of the Japan Century Symphony Orchestra. He was also the lecturer at the Tokyo University of the Arts (Geidai) for 18 years and the member of the Kioi Hall Chamber Orchestra Tokyo. He is currently the professor at the Tokushima Bunri University and the member of Sawa Quartet.