Press Quotes
“Tomoki Sakata collaborated in one of the most enjoyable chamber-music experiences thus far. Here was a Schumann Piano Quintet aptly scaled in every respect: tempo, dynamics and balances. In a nicely interactive performance, in which the musicians genuinely seemed to be enjoying themselves, nothing was hurried, nothing forced. Schumann sounded like Schumann, and that’s a high compliment.” – Scott Cantrell, Dallas Morning News
“Tomoki Sakata, a formidably gifted 19-year-old, demonstrated virtuosity, considerable color and expressivity in the first book of Debussy’s Études.” – Scott Cantrell, Dallas Morning News
“He is a 19-year-old who plays beyond his years. He played impeccably, with a pristine touch and elegant phrasing.” – Janelle Gelfand, Cincinnati Enquirer
“All of his considerable technical prowess was on display. His interpretation has a way to go before it is fully mature, but this youthful overabundance of talent lent its own visceral excitement to this performance. The audience went wild when it was over.” – Gregory Sullivan Isaacs, Theater Jones
“Sakata displayed an awesome technique, and he made some music in the process.” – Gregory Sullivan Isaacs, Theater Jones
“Sakata brought taste and clarity to the work. His phrasing was polished and he interacted sensitively with the orchestra.” – Donald Rosenberg, The Plain Dealer (Cleveland)
Source: http://www.cliburn.org |