Resident artist season 26-27
Born in Tokyo, Mao Fujita was still a student at the Tokyo College of Music when, in 2017, he won First Prize at the prestigious Clara Haskil International Piano Competition in Switzerland, as well as several special awards. He firmly established himself on the international stage by winning the silver medal at the 2019 Tchaikovsky Competition in Moscow.
He has since collaborated with leading orchestras such as the Filarmonica della Scala, the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra and the Orchestre Philharmonique de Radio France, and has made his debut with several major symphony orchestras.
Mao Fujita has worked with numerous renowned conductors, including Semyon Bychkov, Riccardo Chailly and Andris Nelsons. He is also a sought-after chamber music partner, collaborating with artists such as Renaud Capuçon and Emanuel Ax.
An exclusive artist with Sony Classical, in 2022 he released a complete recording of Mozart’s sonatas, acclaimed for its clarity and finesse. His second album, 72 Preludes (2024), showcases works by Chopin, Scriabin and Yashiro.
A child prodigy, he began playing the piano at the age of three and won numerous international competitions from a very young age.
INTERVIEW
COULD YOU INTRODUCE YOURSELF IN A FEW WORDS?
I am an optimistic person.
WHAT HAVE BEEN THE MOST MEMORABLE MOMENTS OF YOUR CAREER?
One of the main highlights was taking part in the Clara Haskil and Tchaikovsky competitions. Apart from that, I’d say my debut at Carnegie Hall and performing the complete Mozart sonatas at the Verbier Festival. I’d very much like to create more memorable moments in the future. And I must say that this residency is also one of those memorable moments.
WHAT ARE YOU LOOKING FORWARD TO MOST ABOUT THIS RESIDENCY WITH THE MONTE-CARLO PHILHARMONIC ORCHESTRA?
I’d very much like to discover more about the city, the people, the cuisine and the history. And the casino a bit too! Of course, I’m really looking forward to playing with the orchestra’s musicians. Not just the concerto repertoire, but also chamber music, to forge a genuine, special bond with them.
YOU’VE PLAYED WITH THE OPMC BEFORE: WHAT’S YOUR IMPRESSION OF THE ORCHESTRA AND WHAT BONDS DO YOU SHARE?
I felt a real closeness to the musicians. Every member of the orchestra is deeply committed to the music. And what I remember in particular is the number of musical risks we took together. That inspires me enormously!
DATES
Grande Saison
6 DECEMBER 2026
7 FEBRUARY 2027
18 FEBRUARY 2027
Concerts at the Prince’s Palace