Japanese Cellist Michiaki Ueno Wins Beethoven Ring 2024

The prize is for the best interpretation of Beethoven work by a young artist at the Beethovenfest Bonn

Each year, Bürger für Beethoven (Citizens for Beethoven), which is the largest cultural association in Bonn, awards the prestigious Beethoven Ring. Founded in 2004, the prize is awarded to one of the five youngest artists who have performed at the Beethovenfest Bonn, for their interpretation of a work by Beethoven.

The Japanese cellist Michiaki Ueno has been named as the 2024 recipient of the prize. He was elected by a large majority of the 1700 members who voted on the prize, following his performance of Beethoven’s Cello Sonata No. 3 in A Major op. 69.

Born in Paraguay in 1995, Ueno made his concerto debut at the age of eleven at Suntory Hall, playing the Lalo Cello Concerto. In 2009, he became the first-ever Japanese winner of the International Tchaikovsky Competition for Young Musicians.

As soloist, he has appeared with the Orchestre de la Suisse Romande, Warsaw Philharmonic Orchestra, Lahti Symphony Orchestra, Gyeonggi Philharmonic Orchestra, KBS Symphony Orchestra, NHK Symphony Orchestra, Yomiuri Nippon Symphony Orchestra, and New Japan Philharmonic, among others.

Ueno was also the winner of the 75th Geneva International Music Competition in 2021.

Past recipients of the Beethoven Ring include Gustavo Dudamel, Lisa Batiashvili, and Julia Fischer.

“It is a great honor for me to receive this award, which has already been awarded to such renowned musicians in the past,” Ueno said. “Beethoven's music often gives us the strength to live for humanity and to connect with us. His willingness to face new challenges paved the way for innovations in music and made it a great inspiration and a role model for me as an artist. This award will encourage me to strive to be a musician who can touch the hearts of people and deal with new challenges.”

(PC: Lydia Ramos)