Kuniko Kato - To the Earth (1999)

This album is her initial solo piece that was recorded in Gent, Belgium in 1999 and is imported from Japan.
Known around the world as the most promising and upcoming young artist who has the finest percussion technique and musical skills. This album explores wide ranges of percussion sound by marimba, vibraphone and multi-percussions and her perfect performance covers the signature pieces from Iannis Xenakis, Franco Donatoni, Frederic Rzewski, Joseph Schwantner and Yoichi Sugiyama.
Outside of original creations she has performed as soloist with numerous orchestras and contemporary ensembles like Saito Kinen Orchestra, Ensemble ICTUS, Ensemble Nomad, Critical Band, etc. Also she is highly recognized and complimented by Seiji Ozawa, Toru Takemitsu, James Wood, Steve Reich, Keiko Harada, Franco Donatoni and many other great composers and music directors.
Her most recent awards include cultural encouragement award by Japan's culture & art foundation, Klanichstein Musikpreis award at Darmstadt Intl. Modern Music Festival, Silver prize at Intl. Leigh Howard Stevens Marimba Competition, etc.