Belgian National Orchestra Appoints New Concertmaster

Following a successful final evaluation, Japanese violinist Misako Akama will be appointed concertmaster from September 2022

Origianlly from Tokyo, Misako Akama began playing the violin at age 3. From 2011 to 2013 she studied at the TOHO University of Music in Tokyo under Seiji Kageyama and Gérard Poulet, before she went to the Conservatoire National Supérieur de Musique de Paris. At the latter institution, she completed her bachelor's, master's, and artist diploma.

Akama's competition experience is extensive. She was a prizewinner at the Yokohama International Music Competition, Japan Player Competition, Long Thibaud Crespin Competition, Henri Marteau International Violin Competition, and Tokyo Music Competition. In 2015, she won first prize at the Varna International Violin Competition.

Since its creation in 1936, the Belgian National Orchestra (NOB) has given performances of classic and contemporary symphonic music. At home at the Henry Le Bœuf Hall, the orchestra's upcoming concerts include performances by soloists Hilary Hahn, Camille Thomas, and Nemanja Radulović. For a full look at their calendar, click here.