Japanese Literary Awards

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Ayako Tanaka

たなか あやこ

Tanaka Ayako

Profile

Gender
Female
Born
1984-02-23 （Maizuru, Kyoto Prefecture, Japan）
Nationality
Japan
Languages
Japanese, German, English, Spanish
Residence History
Resident in Vienna, Austria

Career

Occupations
Soprano singer, Opera singer, Concert soloist
Active Years
2006-
Affiliations
Japan Association for Music Education Program (founder & representative director), Maizuru City Cultural Goodwill Ambassador, Kyotango City Cultural & International Exchange Advisor
Influenced By
Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Carl Orff (repertoire influence)
Influenced
Esteban Benzecry (composer inspired by her voice)

Awards

Argentina Best Premiere Award
2018
Work: World premiere of Esteban Benzecry's 'Cycle of Songs for Coloratura Soprano and Orchestra'
Result: 受賞
Kyoto Prefecture Akebono Award
2020
Organization: Kyoto Prefecture
Result: 受賞
Newsweek Japan: 100 Most Respected Japanese
2019
Organization: Newsweek Japan
Result: 選出

Awards & Nominations

Works

Major Works

Virtuosa COLORATURA

2012 Classical

Debut album showcasing coloratura soprano repertoire and technique.

ColoraturaOpera arias

Vocalise

2019 Classical / Vocalise

Album of classical pieces and songs, featuring a varied repertoire.

Vocal performanceArranged works

Esteban BENZECRY

2020 Contemporary classical

Album centered on works by Esteban Benzecry, including the world-premier recordings of his song cycle.

Contemporary musicCollaborative composition

Play Coloratura

2023 Classical

Album compiling a diverse program centered on coloratura expression.

ColoraturaClassical standards

Bibliography

  • Coloratura (photo essay, Shogakukan, 2016)

Style & Themes

Literary Style
Clear, high-register toneTechnical coloraturaClassical, pure expression
Recurring Motifs
Bird imagery (e.g. nightingale)Religious / sacred colorationViennese repertoire

Legacy

Recognized as a Japanese coloratura soprano active on the international stage, she is also active in education and international cultural exchange. Widely known for recitals and performances abroad and efforts supporting young musicians.

Academic Societies

  • Japan Association for Music Education Program

In Popular Culture

  • Music featured in a Daiden corporate commercial
  • Sang national anthems at the opening of the 2018 Women's Volleyball World Championship

Trivia

  • Studied in Vienna from age 18 and made operatic debut at Bern State Theatre at age 22 (first Japanese and youngest debut at that house).
  • Selected in 2019 for Newsweek Japan's '100 Most Respected Japanese'.
  • Performed world premiere of a song cycle by Esteban Benzecry; that premiere later received Argentina's Best Premiere Award.
  • Founded and serves as representative director of the Japan Association for Music Education Program.