Makoto Sakurada
The Japanese tenor, Makoto Sakurada, completed his MA degree at Tokyo National University of Fine Arts and Music, in vocal music under Professor Tadahiko Hirano. He is now pursuing a doctorate at the same university. He continued his studies under Professor Gianni Fabbrini at the national conservatory "G. B. Martini" in Bologna and he is studying vocal technique with Mo. W. Matteuzzi and Baroque singing with Ma. G. Banditelli in Italy. He was awarded the 2nd prize at the "International Early Music Concours Brugge" in 2002.
In 1992 Makoto Sakurada made his debut in the role of Rodolfo in Puccini’s "La Bohème" at a performance given by the University Opera. He subsequently appeared in the role of Roméo in Charles Gounod’s "Roméo et Juliette" at a performance by the Tokyo Opera Produce. Both of these appearances were well received. Makoto Sakurada participated in the Accademia di Montegridolfo supported by Suntory Hall, Tokyo in 1993 and studied under Gustav Kuhn and Renato Bruson, who both regarded him highly and invited him to participate in their recitals and performances. Makoto Sakurada is also a member of the Accademia di Montegridolfo in Italy, organized by Gustav Kuhn. He is also a member of the Nikikai Opera.His operatic repertoire includes Don Ottavio in "Don Giovanni", Don Basilio in "Le Nozze di Figaro", Edoardo in "Il Cambiale di Matrimonio" and Don Ramiro in "La Cenerentola".
In addition to his operatic career, Sakurada is also active as a soloist in Oratorio performances, especially of the Baroque era. His repertoire includes the Evangelist in Bach’s St. John Passion (BWV 245), tenor solo in Magnificat (BWV 243) and Cantatas, Händel’s Messiah, Mozart’s Requiem. Recently he sang tenor solo in Mendelssohn's Elias with Wolfgang Sawallisch in Tokyo. Since 1995, he has collaborated continually with Masaaki Suzuki and Bach Collegium Japan (for a time he was a member of this ensemble) at many concerts and on CD's as a soloist. He participated in their tours in Europe, USA, Israel and Australia. His remarkable performances as a soloist with the Bach Collegium Japan have attracted special attention. He also collaborated with Philippe Herreweghe in 2000 and with Sigiswald Kuijken / La Petite Bande in 2002. In Italy, he has collaborated frequently as a soloist with Il Giardino Armonico, Accademia Bizantina, Capella della Pieta' de Turchini, Orchestra Barocca di Venezia, Europa Galante, La Stagione ArmonicaI Madrigalisti Ambrosiani, etc.
