Founded by Misuzu Kitazumi, Motoko Honda, and Masumi Urakami, the Los Angeles Piano Unit has emerged as one of LA's unique piano ensembles in 200５, dedicating to the performance of piano music from the Baroque to the present, including electronic and improvisational music. In addition, the Los Angeles Piano Unit acts as a music ambassador to beautiful yet long-forgotten or not-well known pieces for the piano by introducing them in their extraordinary concert programs which sure to entertain wide range of audience at any age.  

 

Misuzu Kitazumi was born in Mie, Japan, and has been an active piano player in Los Angeles, Southern California and Northern Arizona. She holds a Bachelor of Music degree from the California Institute of the Arts and a Master of Music in piano performance from the University of Redlands. Misuzu was selected to perform a piano concerto with the California Institute of the Arts school orchestra in 1997 and is a first prize winner of the Antelope Valley Bach Competition in 1999. 

As a professional pianist, Misuzu has produced numerous music events and concerts for classical and non-classical music in Los Angeles . She has also given performances throughout Los Angeles such as, Los Angeles Harbor City College, Aratani Japan-America theater, California Institute of the Arts, Pasadena Library, Glendale library and more.  For more info, please visit her website at http://misuzukitazumi.com

 

Masumi Urakami is a Los Angeles based active concert pianist and instructor. She holds her Masters of Music degree from USC and has studied with many prominent pianists worldwide. She is a founding member of the Los Angeles Piano Unit, a unique collaborative effort of three female pianists. Masumi is also a founding member of Tulips in Harmony. Through their group work, she has been active in the SEND LOVE TO JAPAN charity project. She hopes that in some small way, her music can bring joy into the lives of those she encounters. Beside her performance activities, Masumi dedicates her time as a piano educator utilizing her knowledge and extensive experience.

 

Motoko Honda, a native of Japan, is a pianist, composer, and sound artist who has created a distinctive sound through her holistic approach to music, and her exceptional sensitivity in relating to other art forms and technologies. Employing a "virtuoso technique paired with her intensely imaginative mind" (Susan Dirende, L.A. Splash Magazine), and with stylistic influences ranging from jazz to Indonesian music to contemporary prepared piano, Motoko's structured improvisations are intended to affect the skin, organs and minds of the listener rather than simple recitations of rhythmic and harmonic themes. Called both a "keyboard alchemist" (Chris Barton, L.A. Times), and the "embodiment of a muse" (Greg Burk, Metaljazz), Motoko's performances transport audiences on sonic adventures that transcend the boundaries and conventions of contemporary music. Motoko's collaborative and performance work has been presented widely in the U.S. and abroad; venues include Ford Theater, REDCAT/Disney Hall, Jazz Bakery, Barnsdall Gallery Theater, Angel City Jazz Festival, International Spark Electronic Music Festival, Athena Festival, The Outsound New Music Festival, The Stone in N.Y., and Cathedral of Siena.  Motoko has performed for numerous events sponsored by art organizations such as MOCA, Getty Museum, and Montalvo Arts Center, also presented her work as a guest performer/lecturer at universities in U.S. and Japan.  Equally at home in classical, jazz, or electronic music, Motoko is a musical force of nature, bringing a unique creative sound to her wide-ranging collaborations.  For more info, please visit her website at http://motokohonda.com