With her sensitive interpretation, radiant colors and vibrant personality, pianist Erika Tazawa has captured audiences in performances worldwide. Since her arrival to the U.S. in 2004, she has been sought after as a soloist, chamber musician and educator across the country.
Erika holds prizes in numerous competitions including Chopin Society of Thousand Islands International Competition, Crane School of Music Concerto Competition, Tochigi Piano Competition, and the Empire State Piano Competition. Additional awards include the Rose L. Greenblatt Award for an Outstanding Pianist and the Hank Kashiwa Award for Young Artists.
Erika has appeared in the Classical Pianists of the Future concert series in both 2009 and 2010, followed by international radio broadcast of the performances. In 2010, she was selected to join the Chopin Bicentennial celebration tour, performing his works in collaboration with other pianists in the northeastern U.S.
An active collaborative pianist, Erika regularly appears in chamber music concerts throughout the country. She has performed with a wide array of larger ensembles including Northern Symphonic Winds, Hot Springs Symphony Orchestra and Aries Chamber Ensemble. Recent engagements include performances as the pianist of the Mana Trio, a derivative ensemble of the acclaimed Mana Quartet.
In 2010, her performances have been heard on the radio programs such as NPR’s Performance Today in the U.S., BBC in England, and various stations in Japan, and a recording featuring Erika as a collaborative artist was released from Equilibrium label. She also enjoys her partnerships with contemporary composers, frequently performing new works. She has premiered works by leading American composers such as Gregory Wanamaker, Paul Siskind, William Susman, Joseph Lyszczarz, and David Liptak.
Erika earned a Master’s degree in Piano Performance from the Crane School of Music at SUNY Potsdam under the supervision of Paul Wyse, while serving as a staff in Collaborative Piano. She currently resides in Phoenix, Arizona, and continues to develop as a musician who cultivates awareness and appreciation for the arts through performing and teaching.
Personal site: www.erikatazawa.com
