Pianist Atsuko Seta Official website

Atsuko Seta was born in Osaka, Japan, and is currently residing in Poland as an Honorary Citizen of the city of Szczawno-Zdroj. She serves as the Artistic Director of the Szczawno International Chamber Music Festival. Atsuko graduated from Osaka Kyoiku University, where she completed a postgraduate course. Her career as a pianist began under the mentorship of the renowned Argentine pianist Eduardo Delgado. In 1996, she won the top prize at the Masterplayers International Music Competition in Italy. Her exceptional talent was recognized by Maestro Richard Schumacher, the president conductor, who described her as follows: "This phenomenal Japanese pianist has played to standing ovations. One of the greatest pianists I have ever heard!" (Richard Schumacher, Agenda Swiss). Since then, Atsuko has performed extensively across the globe, including in Italy, Poland, Switzerland, Germany, France, Lebanon, the Netherlands, Bulgaria, the United States, Japan, China, Thailand, Vietnam, and India, among other countries. In 2016, she was appointed Artistic Director of the Chiangmai Ginastera International Music Festival in Thailand, where she also holds the title of Honorary Professor at Payap University. Atsuko is particularly esteemed for her interpretation of works by the Argentine composer Alberto Ginastera. In 2024, she founded the Ginastera International Society and currently serves as its director.

Awards and Jury Experience

Awards

・1993: Best Soloist Prize, All Japan Musician’s Association Competition
・1996: Masterplayers Prize, Masterplayers International Music Competition, Italy
・2003: Music Critic Club Prize, Japan
・2004: IBLA Grand Prize, Italy (Ginastera Special Award)

Jury Appointments

・1996: Jury Member, Classic Music Competition, Japan
・1997～1999: Jury Member, Masterplayers International Music Competition, Switzerland
・2014: Jury Member, Hong Kong International Music Competition for Young Pianists, China
・2016～2023: Jury Member, Chiangmai Ginastera International Music Competition, Thailand
・2017: Jury Member, Rovere d’Oro International Music Competition, Italy
・2018: Jury Member, Scriabin International Piano Competition, Italy
・2024: Jury Member, Rovere d’Oro International Music Competition, Italy