Makoto Nakura

Marimbist Makoto Nakura is a musician whose artistry and astonishing virtuosity have been mesmerizing audiences for more than a quarter of a century. In 1994, Makoto moved from his native Japan to New York City, becoming the first marimbist to win first prize in the prestigious Young Concert Artists International Auditions. His critically acclaimed performances around the world have included venues in London, Paris, Berlin, Tokyo, Hong Kong, Seoul, Montreal, Mexico City, Sao Paulo and Buenos Aires.

In the U.S., he has performed for audiences in 41 of the 50 states, with orchestras such as the New York Chamber Symphony, the Chicago Sinfonietta and the Los Angeles Chamber Orchestra and, as a recital soloist, his long list of appearances includes Carnegie’s Weill Recital Hall and Washington’s Kennedy Center. A television portrait of Mr. Nakura was shown on CBS News Sunday Morning throughout the U.S.

Born in Kobe, Japan, Mr. Nakura began to play the marimba at the age of eight. He earned both Bachelor's and Master's degrees from Musashino College in Tokyo and continued his studies at the Royal Academy of Music in London from which he was named an Associate.
His latest CD “Tears and Prayers” won the “New Prominent Master” award from the Japan Association of Professional Recording Studios in 2019. His other solo CDs include four discs devoted to works especially written for him (“Ritual Protocol”, “Triple Jump”, “Tsuneya Tanabe Works for Marimba” and “Wood and Forest”) and two discs of the transcriptions of Bach (“Bach Beat” and “Bach Beat II”).