Marimbist Karen Takaguchi to Hold First Recital in 10 Years in Hometown Hiroshima

The 'Karen Takaguchi Marimba Recital,' organized by the Marimba Recital Executive Committee, will be held on Sunday, September 13, 2026, at the Japan Evangelical Lutheran Hiroshima Church (Lutheran Heiwa Odori Building, 2-19 Tsurumicho, Naka-ku, Hiroshima City, Hiroshima Prefecture). Tickets are currently on sale through Confetti, operated by Longrun Planning Co., Ltd. (Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo; Representative Director: Daigo Kurematsu).

Karen Takaguchi, a marimbist active both in Japan and internationally, will host her first recital in ten years in her hometown of Hiroshima. Under the title 'An Evening of Baroque Music on Marimba,' she will perform works by J.S. Bach and A. Vivaldi. A highlight of the concert is a world-first challenge: a complete performance of Vivaldi's historic masterpiece 'The Four Seasons' arranged for a marimba quintet, featuring four prominent Hiroshima-based marimba players. Audience members can enjoy the beautiful resonance of the marimba in the solemn atmosphere of the church.

Program: - Sonata No. 1 for Unaccompanied Violin / J.S. Bach - Suite No. 1 for Unaccompanied Cello / J.S. Bach - The Four Seasons / A. Vivaldi

Co-performers: Akiko Matsuda, Akiko Matsumoto, Maho Ishida, Sara Narutani

Karen Takaguchi Profile: Born in Hiroshima Prefecture. Graduated at the top of her class from Kunitachi College of Music with a major in percussion instruments, receiving the Takeoka Award. Performed at the college's graduation concert, soloist course completion concert, and Yomiuri Shinjin Concert. Graduated at the top of her class from the Royal Conservatoire of Antwerp (Belgium) in the postgraduate solo program, master's marimba program, and postgraduate chamber music program. Held solo recitals in Tokyo (2013, 2021) and Hiroshima (2016). She has performed marimba concertos with the Antwerp Youth Orchestra and toured Belgium as a soloist for 'Marimba-spektakel,' performing the world premiere of Mona Ahdab's Marimba Concerto No. 1 with the Lageranden Orchestra. Invited to Burapha University's music festival 'Road to Asean 2012' in Thailand, the 4th China International Percussion Competition, and the 3rd and 4th Thailand International Percussion Festivals to conduct masterclasses, perform, and serve as a jury member. As a member of the percussion ensemble 'Shin-ichi Ueno & Phonics Reflection,' she has participated in CD recordings and performed at the Romania International Percussion Festival and the IPEA Shanghai International Percussion Festival. As part of the saxophone and marimba duo 'Duo Printemps,' she released the first CD 'Sakura' and held release concerts in Hiroshima and Tokyo. Won first prize in the percussion division of the 13th KOBE International Music Competition, the Hyogo Prefecture Board of Education Award, and the Takahashi Pearl Award. Won first prize at the New Tenuto Competition in Belgium. Awarded first prize with a perfect score of 100 points and the 'Paolo Serrao' Special Prize in the chamber music division at the 4th European Music Competition in Italy. Currently a member of 'Shin-ichi Ueno & Phonics Reflection,' the marimba piano-duet 'Fuwari,' and 'Duo Printemps.' She is an adjunct percussion instructor at Oberlin University and Komoro Gijuku High School in Nagano.

Concert Details: - Event: Karen Takaguchi Marimba Recital - Date & Time: Sunday, September 13, 2026, 18:30 (Doors open at 18:00) - Venue: Japan Evangelical Lutheran Hiroshima Church (Lutheran Heiwa Odori Building, 2-19 Tsurumicho, Naka-ku, Hiroshima City, Hiroshima Prefecture) ■ Performers: Karen Takaguchi Akiko Matsuda, Akiko Matsumoto, Maho Ishida, Sara Narutani ■ Ticket Prices: All seats unreserved [Advance] General: 3,500 yen / Students: 2,500 yen [Door] General: 4,000 yen / Students: 3,000 yen (Preschool children not admitted)