After obtaining Master degree of piano at the University of Osaka, the Japanese pianist Nao Momitani continued specialization in Europe, especially with masters such as Diane Andersen and Kornelia Ogorkowna.
Having chosen Belgium as a place of residence, she successively obtained the first prize for piano, Chamber Music and accompaniment at the Royal Conservatory of Liege, and a Masters in piano at the Graduate School of Arts – Royal Conservatory of Mons. She is also the recipient of several international competitions, including the International Competition Kobe (Japan), the Chopin Competition (Texas, USA )and “Classical Discoveries of the Euroregion” Contest (France).
Since then, she has participated in numerous concerts as a soloist – including concerts with the Royal Chamber Orchestra of Wallonie, the Ensemble Musiques Nouvelles, both with the Liège Philharmonic and Chamber Orchestra (concerts in Japan, the United States, France, Belgium and Spain, -especially in the international set: Spain-Belgium-France-Japan – Semaphone) and shows a special interest in the music of our time, in which she is established as an artist who participate and premiers new creations. She is actif with Laps Ensemble, ensemble that works with combining acoustic and electronic production of sound.
Nao Momitani is joining composer Alice Hebborn, longtime collaborator and fellow member of the Belgian LAPS Ensemble. They present Saisons in Berlin for the first time at our Kiezsalon opening on Saturday, 31.05.2025.
FACTS
1. Arsenic — these days we pay more and more attention to what’s in our food. This year, Japan didn’t produce enough rice, and people have been talking about it. In the end, traces of arsenic can be found not only in rice, but also in vegetables, meat… There is always something positive and negative in everything. We just have to find a sense of balance.
2. Zhuangzi’s “Butterfly Dream” — “I don’t know whether I was a man dreaming I was a butterfly, or a butterfly dreaming I was a man.” This idea inspires me deeply when I play piano.
3. Originality and identity are the roots of human quality. Respect, acceptance, and harmony for all.
1. What is the biggest inspiration for your music?
Emotions and nature.
2. How and when did you get into making music?
My grandmother gave me an upright piano when I was three years old. From that moment on, I dreamed of becoming a pianist. I had to wait until my fourth birthday to start lessons, because at that time there were no classes for three-year-olds.
3. What are 5 of your favourite albums of all time?
Xenakis – “Hibiki Hana Ma”: the mix of electronic textures and acoustic instruments is incredible.
Boulez – “Le Marteau sans maître”: this piece shocked me when I first discovered it.
Mitsuko Uchida – “Debussy Etudes”: delicate and full of colourful sound.
John Cage – “Music for Prepared Piano”: sometimes I wonder — is it a piano, electronics, or something else? A genius sound world.
João Gilberto – “Essential”: emotionally powerful and deeply warm music.
Björk – “Debut”
4. What do you associate with Berlin?
Berlin is a city where culture evolves and opens toward the future, embracing many forms of fine arts.
5. What’s your favourite place in your town?
I love the new library — it includes a concert hall and a multimedia space. It’s a place of knowledge, creativity, and community.
6. If there was no music in the world, what would you do instead?
I honestly can’t imagine a world without music
7. What was the last record/music you bought or listen?
“Electric Fields” featuring Barbara Hannigan.
8. Who would you most like to collaborate with?
Björk. She also explores contemporary music, and her creative originality would make collaboration very exciting.
9. What was your best gig (as performer or spectator)?
As a performer — Ars Musica in Brussels, 2004. I played Claude Ledoux’s piano concerto with Ensemble Musique Nouvelle. It was recorded and released on the CD D’Orient. A beautiful success.
10. How important is technology to your creative process?
Today, it’s nearly impossible to offer programs without electronic elements. I love concerts that mix pieces with and without electronics — it creates a rich and dynamic experience.
11. What can we expect from your Kiezsalon concert?
The world of Alice Hebborn is poetic and subtly oriental. Our performance will be a moment of emotional vibration, shaped by her music and our presence together.
