When 14-year-old Himari takes the stage with the Sarasota Orchestra on January 16-18, music lovers gain a coveted opportunity to experience a “once-in-a-generation talent.” With a staggering 40+ international competition wins to her name, this is not just a chance to witness the next big thing in classical music—it is a rare occasion to experience a game-changing artist just as she’s arriving on the scene. 

As part of Sarasota Orchestra’s Pictures at an Exhibition program, the Orchestra’s first Masterworks concert of the New Year, Himari will perform Max Bruch’s deeply expressive Violin Concerto No. 1. Her interpretations of iconic masterpieces for the violin are what distinguish her as a mature artist. Bruch’s Violin Concerto No. 1, in particular, requires not just flawless technique, but the ability to navigate a vast emotional landscape.

“I first learned the Bruch Violin Concerto No. 1 when I was about 11. I grew to love its beautiful melodies and deep emotion,” Himari says. “Each movement has its own personality. I learned the last movement first; the technical passages are so fun. The first movement has a dark and dramatic side. It’s the most intense.”

It’s in the slow second movement, however, where Himari learned to channel music from the heart: 

“I especially love the second movement, which is so beautiful with orchestra,” she says. “It taught me a lot about phrasing and how to create a warm, expressive sound.” Himari’s mastery of this piece demonstrates that her otherworldly capabilities are driven by a singular and sensitive musical intellect.

Performing on the world stage comes with immense pressure. Yet, Himari approaches high-stakes moments with a poise that speaks to a powerful internal compass.

“I think what helped me do well in competitions was, of course, to prepare carefully and stay focused, but also to really enjoy the music,” she says. “I always reminded myself to enjoy playing instead of thinking only about winning. When I focus on feeling the music instead of the pressure, I perform better.” 

Her philosophy reveals the soul of an artist who understands that authentic communication is the true measure of a great performance.

“I always try to express what the music means to me,” Himari says.

Himari splits her time between her native Japan and the United States, where she’s one of the youngest students ever admitted to the prestigious Curtis Institute of Music. In between semesters at Curtis, she attends middle school in Japan and takes time to just be a teenager. 

“I really do love to practice, but when I’m not playing music, I like to hang out with my friends, eat good Japanese food, and sometimes I cook for myself,” she says, adding that her favorite dishes to make are pasta and fried rice. 

And, luckily for audiences around the globe, Himari makes time to tour and share her astonishing gifts in the concert hall. 

“When I’m touring, I focus on staying healthy and ready for concerts—and staying calm before going onstage,” she says. “I don’t really get nervous anymore, but I tend to practice a lot before my performances, so I have to control myself so I don’t play too much. I need to be mindful, so I don’t hurt my arms or hands.”

Led by celebrated conductor Peter Oundjian, Pictures at an Exhibition marks Himari’s Southeastern debut with a major orchestra. Last year, she performed three sold-out shows with the Berlin Philharmonic. As of right now Himari has only the Chicago Symphony Orchestra and Sarasota Orchestra as appearances with American orchestras on her 2026 calendar, making Sarasota music-lovers among the first in the U.S. to experience her extraordinary talent this year. 

Don’t miss your chance to hear not just a moving work of art, but to witness an artist whose command of the violin is breathtakingly complete. This will be an unforgettable event for any music lover. 

To learn more and purchase tickets to Masterworks: Pictures at an Exhibition, visit Sarasota Orchestra’s website or call the Box Office at 941-953-3434. All programs and featured artists are subject to change.