Diana Farah Dubai

Japanese musicians won top prizes at Austria’s Brahms International competition. The contest is seen as an opportunity for young artists to pave their way to success in the industry.

The three Japanese artists awarded on Saturday included Konoe Takehiro, who won first place in the Viola category, Aritomi Momoko, who placed second, and Yuasa Emiko, who came in third.

Vienna-based Japanese singer Morino Misaki was named the winner in the voice category on the previous day. Her high school classmate Kiguchi Yuto was honored as the best voice accompanist, after he played alongside her on the piano.

Morino graduated from the Tokyo University of the Arts and has been features in various operas and concerts in both Japan and Austria.

According to Japanese broadcaster NHK, Morino said she was happy singing in front of an audience at a time when coronavirus canceled many concerts and operas.