Satoru Shionoya with special guest Junko Yagami

Satoru Shionoya: A Multifaceted Talent Takes Centre Stage

Headline act Satoru Shionoya’s musical journey is as diverse as it is impressive, flourishing as a pianist, composer, arranger, and producer.

Shionoya has served as the pianist for award-winning ORQUESTA de la LUZ for over a decade; a group that garnered a UN Peace Prize and a Grammy nomination during his tenure. He has also released 12 solo albums, showcasing his virtuosity and compositional prowess.

Shionoya’s collaborative spirit extends beyond his solo work, performing alongside renowned artists like Makoto Ozone and Chikuzen Satō (“SALT & SUGAR”), as well as international jazz legends Richard Stoltzman and Steve Gadd. Shionoya’s influence transcends the realm of jazz. He has contributed to the sound of popular music icon Ayaka and brought his musical vision to television, composing and arranging music for shows like “Hobby Do Raku” and “Kole Nande Shokai.” Currently, Shionoya shares his vast knowledge and experience as an Associate Professor of Jazz at the National University of Music.

City Pop Pioneer: JUNKO YAGAMI

Legendary Singer-Songwriter Junko Yagami rose to prominence with a bang in 1978 when her debut single “Omoide wa Utsukisugite” (Memories Are Too Beautiful) became a hit, showcasing her powerful vocals and a sound that blended disco, pop, and jazz. Never afraid to experiment incorporating elements of soul and funk to her later work. Throughout the 80’s Yagami released a string of successful albums with well-known hits such as “Mizuiro no Ame” (Light Blue Rain), “Polar Star”, and “Purple Town”. After a temporary hiatus from her music career, Yagami returned in 2011, releasing a string of successful new albums to critical acclaim with her captivating blend of genres with her powerful vocals. Yagami has released 25 albums including live recordings, a prolific and prominent career that led her to be inducted into the Women Songwriters Hall of Fame in the USA in 2022.