Sofia Art Institute presents a violin masterclass with Japanese violinist and conductor Kei Shirai – an internationally acclaimed musician, recipient of awards at prestigious competitions, and an accomplished soloist, chamber musician and concertmaster.

Born in Trinidad and Tobago, Kei Shirai studied at Tokyo University of the Arts before continuing his studies at the University of Music and Performing Arts Vienna. His distinctions include second prize and the audience prize at the ARD International Music Competition in Munich. He has performed with the Vienna State Opera and the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra, and subsequently served as concertmaster of the Kobe City Chamber Orchestra and the NHK Symphony Orchestra.

As a guest concertmaster, Kei Shirai has collaborated with leading European orchestras, including the Czech Philharmonic, the Dresden Philharmonic and the Stuttgart State Orchestra. Since 2010, he has been Music Director of Revolution Ensemble, and since 2023, he has led the Kugenuma Music Academy. His multifaceted artistic career encompasses solo recitals, concerto performances, chamber music and conducting.

During the masterclass, participants will have the opportunity to work individually with the violinist on repertoire of their choice, deepen their musical interpretation and refine their technical and performance skills under the guidance of an artist with extensive international experience.

The masterclass is intended for young violinists who wish to develop their artistic potential and enrich their musical experience through individual work with an internationally acclaimed performer and educator.

part of „MasterClasses“

Japanese violinist Kei Shirai was born in Trinidad and Tobago. After studying at Tokyo University of the Arts, he attended the University of Music and Performing Arts Vienna. His awards in international competitions include the second prize and audience prize at the ARD International Music Competition Munich. After working at the Vienna State Opera and the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra as a short-contract member,  Kei Shirai has served as concertmaster of the Kobe City Chamber Orchestra and the NHK Symphony Orchestra. 

Kei enjoys a multi-faceted career as a recitalist, concerto soloist, chamber music expert, guest concertmaster and conductor. His concert engagements take him frequently to Japan’s biggest venues and festivals. As a concertmaster, he was invited by the Czech Philharmonic, the Dresden Philharmonic, the Stuttgart State Orchestra and many Japanese orchestras.

He is music director of Revolution Ensemble since 2010 and since 2023 he has been leading the Kugenuma Music Academy.

https://kei-shirai.site/