TAKAKO INES ASAHINA
B i o g r a p h y
Ground-breaking, evocative Neo-Classic.
Well known for her playing versatility, as a concert pianist and composer, Takako has given many special performances throughout her native Japan, as well as France and Germany. Certified in piano performance by passing the acclaimed Japan Performance Society Competition, Takako has been a two time guest soloist at “The Symphony Hall” performing with the Osaka Philharmonic Orchestra, playing the Prokofiev piano Concerts numbers One and Three. As a contemporary musician, she leads her own ensemble performing original compositions. Her writing style fuses classical traditions with exciting new rhythms.
Since 2002, Takako has had yearly successful Japan tours in Tokyo and Osaka. She has always built on the growing momentum of the previous year’s achievements to dazzle enthusiastic, full-house audiences.
In 2005, Takako appeared with musical director Zensho Ohtsuka as a soloist with the Japan Azalea Jazz Orchestra, in a tribute to George Gershwin.
In 2006, Takako made her American debut in a New York City concert that included the renowned bassist, Mr. Juini Booth. Back in Japan, Takako performed in a concert with Smooth Jazz pioneer, Tom Grant.
In 2007, Takako played a “Steinway Hall” in New York with her band, the Curacion Rhythm Section followed by a grand concert at Carnegie Hall in October. Her exciting and delicate piano performance was received with great admiration from the many people in attendance.
In 2009, the highlight of the year was her strong result in the International Song of the Year competition in July. In the Instrumental/Jazz/World category, Takako’s original piece “Musician in New York” claimed a prestigious Finalist placing.
Also in 2009. “Musicians in New York”was selected as a finalist in the 11th Annual Great American Song Contest in the Instrumental category.
In 2010, Takako organized “Exotique”with Robert Daniels and Don Eaton. They performed at Birdland in New York in November.
Takako has released 4 CDs and a DVD featuring her original works.
1998 - CD, Piano of Healing
1999 - CD, La Défense au clair de lune
2006 - DVD, My New York Sound
2008 - CD, Musician in New York
2012 - CD, Neo Classic
As a stream flows into a river,
Takako's classical beginnings flow into stimulative jazz her music's transparency suggesting an exciting future hybrid.
Composer, Shigeaki Saegusa.