Biography —

Noriko Ogawa has achieved considerable renown throughout the world since her success at the Leeds International Piano Competition. Noriko’s “ravishingly poetic playing” (Telegraph) sets her apart from her contemporaries and acclaim for her complete Debussy series with BIS Records (“If you like your Debussy to sound like the musical equivalent of a chilled white wine, Noriko Ogawa is the pianist for you” Roger Vignoles, BBC Radio 3, CD Review), confirms her as a fine Debussy specialist.

As an exclusive recording artist for BIS Records, Noriko’s most recent discs were music by Xiaogang Ye with the Royal Scottish National Orchestra, released in June 2022, and the fifth volume in her series of Erik Satie’s piano music, released in March 2022. Ranging from Mozart, Rachmaninov, Satie, Debussy to contemporary composers including Alexander Tcherepnin, Vagn Holmboe, and Yoshihiro Kanno, Noriko boasts a prolific catalogue of over 30 albums. Her discography includes Takemitsu’s Riverrun (Editor’s Choice, Gramophone), Mussorgsky’s Pictures from an Exhibition (Critics’ Choice, BBC Music Magazine), critically acclaimed Debussy’s complete piano music, and a complete set of Eric Satie’s music for solo piano.

In the 21/22 season, Noriko’s performances included concerts with BBC Symphony Orchestra at Barbican Centre, Tokyo Symphony Orchestra, Ravel’s Piano Concerto in G major with Japan Philharmonic Orchestra and solo and duo piano recitals at the Muza Kawaski Symphony Hall. Noriko’s 22/23 season highlights include: London Piano Festival at King’s Place, St David’s Hall with saxophonist Huw Wiggin, Rachmaninov’s Piano Concerto at Rubinstein Piano Competition, and a concert with English Symphony Orchestra.

As a regular Professor and sought-after guest educator, Noriko is a professor at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama, Tokyo College of Music and Music Director of Hamamatsu International Piano Academy. Noriko is a Visiting Professor at the Royal College of Music, Yamaha Masterclasses, The Purcell School and Chetham’s International Piano Summer School.

In addition to her busy performing and teaching career, Noriko regularly judges at international competitions. Forthcoming and recent adjudications include Rubinstein Piano Competition, Cleveland International Piano Competition, Leeds International Piano Competition, Japan National Music Competition, International Edvard Grieg Competition in Norway, International Paderewski Piano Competition, ARD International Music Competition, Honens International Piano Competition, and the Scottish International Piano Competition.

Noriko was appointed as the Chairperson of the Jury for Japan’s prestigious 10^th Hamamatsu International Piano Competition in 2018 and was also elected to the board of the World Federation of International Music Competitions this same year.

Noriko is passionate about charity work, particularly after the earthquake and tsunami which devastated Japan in early 2011. Since the earthquake she has raised over £40,000 for the British Red Cross Japan Tsunami Fund and is keen to keep fundraising. Noriko also founded Jamie’s Concerts, a series for autistic children and parents, and is a Cultural Ambassador for the National Autistic Society.