Classical Music News

VC Artist Violinist Himari Signs to Decca Classics

March 18, 2025

2 MIN READ

Himari will release her debut album on the label, "Carmen Fantasy," on May 23, 2025

The 13-year-old Japanese violinist and VC Artist Himari has become the youngest-ever female artist to sign with the British label Decca Classics.

Himari's debut album on the label is titled Carmen Fantasy and will be released on May 23, 2025. Prior to the release, there will be two singles: Amy Beach's Romance and Waxman's titular Carmen Fantasy.

The young violinist is also set to make her debut with the Berlin Philharmonic on March 20, 2025, where she will perform Wieniawski’s Violin Concerto No. 1 in a sold-out series.

Since making her debut as a soloist when she was just six years old, Himari has appeared with orchestras such as the NHK Symphony Orchestra, New Japan Philharmonic, Tokyo Symphony Orchestra, Japan Philharmonic Orchestra, Kanagawa Philharmonic Orchestra, and Gunma Symphony Orchestra, among others.

She has been a prizewinner at the International Competition for Young Violinists in Honor of Karol Lipinski and Henryk Wieniawski, the 12th Arthur Grumiaux International Violin Competition (Belgium), the 26th Andrea Postacchini International Violin Competition (Italy), the 20th Schelkunchik International Music Competition (Russia), and the Kogan International Violin Competition (Belgium).

"If you’re listening to Himari and you close your eyes, you wouldn’t realise her age," said Himari's teacher, Ida Kavafian. "Inside Himari, there is an older person and a wise musician… she’s immensely talented."

"I am very happy to be signing with Decca Classics!" Himari said. "I hope you enjoy my performances through the recordings!"

"Signing a debut artist is always an exciting moment," said Dominic Fyfe, Decca Classics Label Director. "In Himari we truly have a talent for the ages. Technically fearless, Himari has purity, musicality and breathtaking temperament. There is a voice in Himari’s playing which can speak to any generation. All of us at Decca Classics welcome her to the label and are thrilled to bring her music-making to a global audience."