Saxophone Recital

Kenta IGARASHI, saxophone (Japan) Viola TARAN, piano (Ukraine)

Kenta IGARASHI is a brilliant representative of the new generation of saxophonists. Born in Japan in 2002, he moved to Ukraine at the age of six, where his professional journey began. His exceptional talent was nurtured by the renowned Ukrainian musician and soloist of the National Opera, Yuriy VASYLEVYCH, who played a pivotal role in shaping the young artist.

A graduate of the Lysenko Specialized Music School and the National Music Academy of Ukraine, Kenta is a laureate of numerous international competitions. He has performed with Ukraine's leading orchestras and captivated audiences in Poland, Greece, Japan, Thailand, Germany, China, and Belgium.

In 2023, Kenta reached the finals of the prestigious Adolphe SAX International Competition (Dinant, Belgium) — one of the world's most authoritative saxophone contests — ranking 5th among the top young performers globally.

On May 17, 2026, the atmospheric acoustic hall of St. Catherine's Church will host a concert by Kenta IGARASHI alongside his long-time creative partner and pianist, Viola TARAN. We invite you to an evening where music unites cultures and hearts. After all, "Bravo" sounds the same in every language!

Program:

• J.B. Singelée – Fantaisie op. 83

• J. Massenet – Méditation from Thaïs

• J. Demersseman – Fantaisie

• G. Gershwin – Three Preludes

• J.-D. Michat – Kokoro (solo)

• C. Debussy – Rêverie

• E. Elgar – Salut d’amour

• T. Mashima – Seagull

• D. Milhaud – Brazileira

• A. Piazzolla (arr. V. Taran) – Nightclub 1960 & Libertango

ATTENTION! Access to St. Catherine's Church (22 Lyuteranska St.) is available only from the Khreshchatyk Street side.