Renowned Japanese cellist Prof. Tsuyoshi Tsutsumi conducted a workshop at TNUA on April 16, demonstrating his skills and giving one-on-one instruction to students.

The 74-year-old Prof. Tsutsumi last visited TNUA in 2013 when he gave a solo recital and a workshop.

Three students, Huang Yu-ju, Wu Teng-kai and Chou Chi-huei, had the opportunity to learn individually from Prof. Tsutsumi at the workshop, and they performed Alfredo Carlo Piatti’s “12 Caprices for Solo Cello, Op.25: No.5, ” Toshiro Mayuzumi’s “Bunraku,” and J. Haydn’s “Concerto in C major, Hob. VIIb:1, 1st mov., Moderato,” respectively.

Prof. Tsutsumi helped them improve their skills, such as bowing, and the rhythms and movements of their bodies by discussing their performances of the cello music. Prof. Tsutsumi started studying music under Hideo Saito. His debut as cellist came at the age of 12 when performed with the Tokyo Philharmonic.

He then went on to win various music awards in Japan and overseas, including the first prize at the 12th International Casals Competition in Budapest, Hungary in 1963. At 18 he started his first concert tour as soloist and he went to Indiana University o study with Janos Starker.

Prof. Tsutsumi has taught at Indiana University and the University of Illinois. He has been president of the Toho Gakuen School of Music and is currently president of Suntory Hall.

His concert tours have taken him to across various countries in Europe, Americas and Australia. He has performed with famous orchestras in Rotterdam, Munich, London and other cities.

In 2009, he received a Medal of Honour with Purple Ribbon from the Japanese government.