This concert features multi-award-winning musician Rakuto Kurano performing on violin, viola, and piano, with repertoire by Elgar, Gluck, Grieg, Kreisler, Piazzolla, Scriabin, Schumann, and more.

He is joined by Christchurch-based pianist Kyle Hsieh.

Tickets are limited for this unique concert.

Artist Biography
A multi-award-winning artist renowned for his exceptional versatility, Rakuto Kurano (b. 2000) is a distinguished performer, composer, artistic director, & educator.
At 18, he successfully auditioned for the Christchurch Symphony Orchestra, marking the start of a professional career that has included performances with NZ Opera, the Royal New Zealand Ballet, Dunedin Symphony Orchestra, Hawke’s Bay Orchestra, and more. He has now performed in over 500 professional concerts across New Zealand and abroad, touring extensively and showcasing his versatility as a soloist, chamber, and orchestral musician. His musical theatre credits include The Music Man, Fiddler on the Roof, Chicago, Kinky Boots, and Next to Normal, the latter of which he performed with The Court Theatre, New Zealand’s leading theatre company.

He made his compositional debut at age 16 with Angelic Glow, an award-winning work in the 2016 NZ Harp Duo Composition Competition. Since then, his music has been performed by leading ensembles including NZTrio, the Christchurch Symphony Orchestra, and the NZ Harp Duo. His Concerto Grosso, commissioned by the Baroque Music Community and Educational Trust of New Zealand for a national tour, was described as a “splendid work” by Peter Mechen in Middle-C following its Wellington performance. The work was performed in eleven concerts nationwide, receiving standing ovations at every performance.

As a recording artist, Kurano has released a diverse and highly regarded discography of original works, collaborating with numerous distinguished producers. He has also contributed to recordings for internationally renowned artists, including UK singers Aled Jones and Russell Watson, under the BMG (UK) label. His music is available on leading global platforms such as Spotify, Apple Music, and Amazon Music, reaching audiences worldwide.
He completed his Master of Music at the University of Canterbury in 2023 under the guidance of Professor Mark Menzies, following his Bachelor of Music with First Class Honours. In February 2025, he was awarded the Vernon Griffiths Award in Musical Leadership by the University Council for his outstanding leadership and service to the community.

He studied piano under the acclaimed New Zealand pianist and educator, the late Rosemary Miller-Stott QSM, and was awarded his Licentiate Diploma with Distinction from Trinity College London at the age of 17.

He currently serves as Teacher-in-Residence at Turn Up the Music School, Artist-in-Residence at Aspiring Village in Wānaka, and Artistic Director of the Magic Carpet Music Trust - a charitable organisation he co-founded with music patron Lyn Milne MNZM.
rakutokurano.com