Today is Japanese Viola Virtuoso Nobuko Imai's Birthday!

Imai was born on March 18, 1943 in Tokyo

Tokyo-born, Imai commenced her musical education at the age of six. Initially studying at Tokyo's Toho Gakuen School of Music, she transitioned to the viola. Later, she pursued further studies in the United States, attending the Juilliard School and Yale University. Her accolades include winning the Young Concert Artists International Auditions in 1967 as well as claiming the top prizes at both the Geneva International Music Competition and the ARD International Music Competition in Munich.

Imai has since enjoyed an extensive solo, teaching, and chamber music career. A former member of the Vermeer Quartet, Imai currently serves as the founder and member of the Michaelangelo Quartet, where she collaborates alongside Mihaela Martin, Daniel Austrich, and Frans Helmerson. Additionally, she established the East West Baroque Academy to nurture young talent from Japan and the Netherlands.

Imai currently holds teaching positions at the Amsterdam Conservatory, Conservatoire Supérieur et Académie de Musique Tibor Varga, Conservatoire Supérieur de Musique de Genève, and Kronberg Academy.

In May 2023, BBC Music Magazine listed Imai amongst the twelve greatest violists of all time.

NOBUKO IMAI & ALBERT TU | BRAHMS VIOLA SONATA OP. 120 NO. 2