Kyohei Sorita

Kyohei Sorita is a celebrated Japanese pianist recognized for his extraordinary talent and vibrant performances. Born in Tokyo, Kyohei has achieved significant acclaim on both national and international stages. In 2021, he won the second prize at the 18th International Chopin Piano Competition, marking the first time in half a century that a Japanese pianist received this prestigious honor. This accomplishment placed him firmly in the global spotlight, with piano fans around the world recognizing his skill and passion.

Kyohei’s rise to prominence began in 2012, when he won the first prize at the 81st Japan Music Competition, receiving additional accolades such as the Nomura Prize, Iguchi Prize, Kawai Prize, and Iwatani Prize. His subsequent debut recital at Suntory Hall in 2016 sold out immediately, showcasing his ability to captivate audiences and solidify his status as a major artist.

In 2018, Kyohei established NEXUS Corporation, a management company aimed at promoting classical music. That same year, he founded the “MLM Double Quartet,” a group of talented artists of his generation. This ensemble later transformed into the “Japan National Orchestra (JNO)” in 2021, based in Nara, Japan. JNO has since contributed to the cultural landscape through outreach programs and sold-out nationwide tours, making them one of Japan’s most sought-after orchestras.
 
In 2019, Kyohei launched “NOVA Record,” a joint venture with E-Plus, focused on releasing music from JNO and other NEXUS-affiliated artists. He was also a pioneer in offering paid streaming during the COVID-19 pandemic, demonstrating his adaptability and commitment to bringing music to audiences under challenging circumstances. In 2021, he founded the music salon “Solistiade” to create a space for young musicians and their fans to connect, furthering his mission to expand the classical music fan base.
 

In 2022, Kyohei relocated to Vienna, where he continues to hone his craft and expand his presence on the international stage. He is studying conducting while performing across Europe, Canada, Asia, and Australia, engaging with diverse audiences and further establishing his reputation as a dynamic performer and cultural ambassador.

Throughout his career, Kyohei has collaborated with a range of prestigious orchestras and conductors. Some of the notable orchestras he has performed with include the Munich Philharmoniker, Deutsches Symphony-Orchester Berlin, NDR Elbphilharmonie Orchestra, Mariinsky Theatre Orchestra, Warsaw Philharmonic Orchestra, Russian National Orchestra, Spanish National Orchestra, RAI National Symphony Orchestra, Tonkunstler-Orchestra, Residentie Orkest(Den Haag), Prague Philharmonia, NHK Symphony Orchestra, Tokyo Metropolitan Symphony Orchestra among others. His performances with renowned conductors like A. Battistoni, M. Pletnev, A. Boreyko, D. Afkham, A. Gilbert, and others have further cemented his status as a top-tier pianist. His engagements include his debut as pianist performing with Tonkunstler-Orchestra at the Wiener Musikverein (2020), and he has also made his conducting debut with the Mozarteum Orchestra Salzburg (2024).

Kyohei has been selected for the Forbes 30 Under 30 Asia List – Class of 2024.