members of Le Pleiadi
Artists who endose the aims of Le Pleiadi’s activity (classified accoeding to his/her voice or instrument)
Vocalist
Kuniko KIKKAWA
[ Soprano ]
Graduated from Tokyo University of the Arts (Tokyo Geidai), completed the Graduate course of the same. Won the 1st prize in the 6th Japan-Italy vocal contest.
Hisae HATTORI
[ Soprano ]
Graduated from Tokyo University of the Arts, Music Department, Vocal Course. Is active as a solo singer at recitals and joint concerts, etc.
Instrumental players
Mikio UNNO
[ Cello ]
Born in a musical family and began to learn cello at the age of 14. Graduated from music faculty of Toho Girls’ Highschool (co-educational),
Kozue TANAKA
[ Piano ]
Graduated from the music course of Education Department in Tokyo Gakugei National University of Education.
Kuniko KIKKAWA
[ Soprano ]
Graduated from Tokyo University of the Arts (Tokyo Geidai), completed the Graduate course of the same. Won the 1st prize in the 6th Japan-Italy vocal contest. Went to Italy as an Italian Government’s scholar, and completed Opera Institute attached to La Scala of Milano and also Santa Cecilia Academy in Rome. After having won Prizes in the International vocal contest of Lonigo Teatro Comunale, Merano International Debut contest and others, won a prize in Toti Dal Monte International Vocal contest and made her debut in ‘Don Giovanni’ at Treviso Teatro Comunale. After that, performed at one after another of important Opera Theatres in Northern Italy, and was appraised highly in the local newspaper reviews. In the area of religious music, sang in Santa Cecilia Main Hall in Rome with its orchestra, and also sang as a solo in the concert at Teatro Petruzzelli in Bari. In TV/radio, appeared in many programs of former East German National TV, RAI(Italian National Radio) and other commercial broadcasting. In recitals and concerts, performed actively in Rome, Milano and other places in Italy,and charmed a large audience by her rich singing performance with her full musicality.
In Japan, appeared in opera performances of Fujiwara Opera Company, NHK FM programs and gave many concerts in various parts in Janan and was valued higly.
In 2014 released 2 CDs : ‘Kuniko Kikkawa Tosti’s song Collection’ accompanied by Shigeto Yamagishi (piano) and ‘Kuniko Kikkawa Classical World’ accompanied by Takehiko Yamada (piano).
Continued to be very active, giving recitals at Hakuju Hall in Tokyo and PAC (Performing Arts Center) in Nishinomiya, Hyogo, which were very favourably accepted by the audience.
In the area of music education, served as a tutor in Nikikai Institute of Italian songs, and tries to pass on with great efforts her singing technique accumulated in more than 30 years of experiance in Italy under the tuition of ultra/super artists and tutors. Also tries to pass on her natural vocalization which supported her long career as a singer to amateur song lovers , and enjoy the pleasure of singing together.
Hisae HATTORI
[ Soprano ]
Graduated from Tokyo University of the Arts, Music Department, Vocal Course. Is active as a solo singer at recitals and joint concerts, etc.
Has a wide repertoire in children’s songs, fondly remembered good old songs, madrigals and opera arias. Fassinated the audience with her unique, beautiful voice full of poetic sentiments.
Is making efforts to try to offer her tuition to younger chorus group members through her volunteer activities such as singing in hospital concerts and nursing facilities for aged people.
Is highly reputed as a chorus voice trainer, and helped more than one chorus groups to gain prizes; for example, in Takarazuka International Chamber Chorus Contest and Tokyo Vocal Ensemble contest.
Went to Italy with the selected members to join 1995 Guido d’Arezzo International Poliphony Contest, in which was awarded 1st prize in mixed voice chorus section, and released a CD from Toshiba EMI 2nd Assembly of Practical Chorus Music in the title of ‘My Dear Madonna—Renaissance Madrigals’.
Released from Nami Records Co.Ltd. a CD gathering solo songs by Yoshinao Nakada: ‘Sakana-to Orange（Fish and Orange）’ which is being well accepted. Through several short-term stays in Milano studied Itallian Classic songs and opera arias. Member of Nikikai Opera. Member of Nikikai Japanese songs study group.
Mikio UNNO
[ Cello ]
Born in a musical family and began to learn cello at the age of 14. Graduated from music faculty of Toho Girls’ Highschool (co-educational), then completed Ensemble Diploma course of Toho Gakuen College of Music. After that, continued to get training at the soloist course of Senzoku Gakuen University.
Was successful in various contests such as 20th Kirishima International Music Festival (Special Encourgagement Prize), 14th Kawasaki City Music Contest (1st Prize), was accepted in the audition of 7th Okiden Sugar Hall New Face Concert and 12th All Japan Soloist Contest(Grand Prix).
Joined as a guest and the first cello player at Tokyo Philharmony Orchestra, Kanagawa Philhamony Orchestra, Tokyo City Philharmonic, Kansai Philharmony Orchestra, and Yamagata Orchestra. Also took part in Japan Virtuoso Symphony Orchestra and Kioi Symphonietta Tokyo etc. many a time.
In 2008 gave his Debut Recital at Tokyo Bunka-Kaikan sponsored by Japan Music Performance Association. Held recitals annually from the following year at Ginza Oji Hall, and got favourable reviews. Monthly Salon Concert Series in the title of ‘Salon de Violoncello’ at Yokohama City British Hall in the park ‘Minato-no mieru-oka ’ from 2009. Is actively taking part in as an enrolled artist at Music Activation program of Public Hall, ‘Onkatsu’. Also conducting, arranging, writing books and playing contemporary music, all of which are highly valued.
Joins in: Tokyo Mozart Players, Super Cello Ensemble Tokyo, Tokyo Philos Quartet, Chamber Orchestra (ARCUS), Ensemble Dunamis, Chamber Soloists Kanagawa etc. Director of NPO’Hama’s Jack, Yokohama. A member of New Players Association.
Official Website:http://mikio-unno.com
Kozue TANAKA
[ Piano ]
Graduated from the music course of Education Department in Tokyo Gakugei National University of Education. Participated in Morzarteum Summer Seminar and studied under Carlo Zekki, and played on the stage in its final concert. Studied under Konnrat Lichter at ‘Nemu-no sato’ German Lied course. Started her career with the recital at Suntory Blue rose Hall followed by solo activities in various parts of Japan. As a concert soloist, played solo part, for example, of Tschaikovsky’s concerto conducted by Yoichiro Ohmachi. Gave delightful concerts of tales and music: ‘ Surprize Package by Piano’ at Hama Rikyu Asahi Hall and at the other places to try to collaborate with singers and dancers. As an accompanist, played with many soloists a variety of music (such as instruments, songs, opera, musical numbers and popular music) upto her co-soloplayers’ expectations.
In the area of chorus, gave training to many chorus groups and played at Wien Music Association(Wiener Musikverein) Hall, etc. Took part in the concerts by the World Air Services concerts from lts beginning, and played in various themes. As a personal artist of Fukoku Seimei Insurance Company, has been playing in all parts in Japan aiming for ‘Friendly Music’. Now, a lecturer at Tokyo Geidai, Opera Section. Lecturer at Toho Music College and its master course.