TRIO KAGURA
PIANO TRIO
TRIO KAGURA is an international ensemble formed in Manchester, uniting musicians from Japan, Lithuania, and New Zealand. The name "Kagura" comes from the Japanese tradition of ritual music and dance, performed to bring joy and peace to the community - reflecting the trio's mission to connect and inspire through music.
Recent highlights include a residency as a Britten-Pears Young Artist for 2024-2025 at Snape Maltings, a concert tour of New Zealand in 2025, and annual invitations to teach and perform at the Kamermuziek Atelier Delft. Upcoming events include a tour of Lithuania in September 2026, and the trio’s debut in the Bridgewater Hall as part of the Manchester Midday Music series 2026-2027.
Throughout their journey, Trio Kagura has had the privilege of working with some of the finest musicians in the world, including David Waterman, Kathryn Stott, Pavel Fischer, Petr Prause, Donald Grant, members of the Talich Quartet and Trio Gaspard. In the past year, the trio has taken part in the prestigious mentorship programme at Chamber Studio.
Trio Kagura continues to captivate audiences with their expressive performances and commitment to pushing the boundaries of chamber music.
Japanese-born pianist KANAKO MIZUNO has achieved some remarkable feats in her young career. Successful as both soloist and collaborative pianist, UK-based Mizuno has received a Global Talent Visa, and has been awarded numerous prizes and scholarships in recognition of her skilful piano playing. Winning placements include Japan Player’s Competition, the Young Artist Piano Competition, Le Brilant French Music Competition, Tokyo Piano Competition and Japan Classical Music Competition.
Kanako obtained her BMus from the Toho Gakuen School of Music before moving to the UK, where she studied at the Royal Northern College of Music on a scholarship. She graduated with a Professional Diploma from the Royal Academy of Music in 2020.
Kanako has a strong passion in chamber music as well as in Cross-Artform collaboration, and currently works in collaboration with dancers.
YUUKI BOUTEREY-ISHIDO is a New Zealand cellist actively performing around the world
as a chamber musician, and Sub-Principal Cello at the Royal Scottish National Orchestra.
Yuuki has performed at major festivals including the Schnittke Festival in London and the Semaine Internationale de Piano et musique de chambre in Switzerland. Other significant performances include solo recitals in Japan, Italy, and New Zealand. He has also toured Europe extensively over three years as a member of the Menuhin Academy Soloists under the direction of Maxim Vengerov.
Yuuki has won many chamber music prizes and collaborated with artists David Waterman, Ilya Grubert, Pavel Fischer, Martin Stupka, and Christophe Roy.
Major prizes and awards include the prestigious Diploma of the Royal Academy of Music, First Prize in the Barbirolli Cello Prize 2018, the String Player Award at the Gisborne International Music Competition 2017, and 2nd Prize in the National Concerto Competition in New Zealand.
PIJUS JONUŠAS is a Lithuanian violinist and chamber musician. Pijus honed his craft at the Royal Conservatoire in The Hague under Peter Brunt and at the Royal Northern College of Music in Manchester, where he studied with Pavel Fischer and Gina McCormack.
Pijus has performed across Europe, the UK, and New Zealand, appearing in esteemed venues including Wigmore Hall, Cadogan Hall, Conway Hall in London, and the Concertgebouw in Amsterdam. He has collaborated with distinguished artists Magnus Johnston, Guy Johnston, Elias String Quartet, Timothy Ridout, Petr Prause, Susie Mészáros, and Abel Selaocoe.
Pijus was a core member of the Elmore String Quartet, with whom he recorded for BBC Radio 3 and extensively toured the UK. The quartet was the recipient of a Tunnell Trust-supported tour of Scotland, as well as the Kirckman Concert Society Award. The quartet were the Junior Fellows in Chamber Music at the Royal Northern College of Music in 2021–2023.