Junko Onishi Concerts

Experience Junko Onishi

Junko Onishi (born October 12, 1960) is a highly respected Japanese pianist renowned for her interpretations of Frédéric Chopin. Beginning piano studies at age three, she won the prestigious Chopin International Piano Competition in Warsaw in 1983 – the first Japanese pianist to achieve this honor. This victory launched an international career, performing with leading orchestras globally including the London Symphony Orchestra and the NHK Symphony Orchestra.

Onishi’s style is characterized by a lyrical sensitivity and technical brilliance, often praised for its nuanced phrasing and emotional depth. While primarily focused on Chopin – releasing multiple critically acclaimed complete Chopin cycles – her repertoire also includes works by Debussy, Schumann, and Rachmaninoff.

Beyond performance, Onishi is dedicated to music education, holding teaching positions at several institutions. She's received numerous awards within Japan, including the Arts Festival Award (Geijutsu Senshoku Sho) in 1984. Her discography spans decades with recordings on labels like Philips and Denon, consistently receiving positive reviews for their artistry and sound quality. She continues to perform and record actively today, maintaining a devoted following worldwide.