Jon Nakamatsu

[mpd210]

Hey, anyone heard of this guy? He won the 1997 van cliburn competition without having any kind of formal training. I've listened to some of his music and I really like his playing!..yet he doesn't seem too well known 

[leahcim]

Hey, anyone heard of this guy? He won the 1997 van cliburn competition without having any kind of formal training. I've listened to some of his music and I really like his playing!..yet he doesn't seem too well known 

Although he didn't go the "names", he didn't have formal training for 2 years, from age 4 to 6

https://www.webconcerthall.com/interview/nakamatsu.htm

[cherub_rocker1979]

I played at his masterclasses twice (one of them was at my school) and he has a very clear articulation and a very big sound.  He is a very nice person as well.

[verywellmister]

I did a masterclass with him.  I played the Schubert Eb impromptu.

I agree, he is nice and very good.

[kriskicksass]

I saw him in recital a few years ago (before I was really heavy into piano) and from what I remember he was a very good performer. He played a lot of non-standard repertoire, including a classical composer who reminded me quite a bit of Mozart (Wolfe, I think). The only problem I had with his recital is that he all but refused to get off stage, with something like 5 encores! I just wish that at the time I had been able to appreciate it...

[BoliverAllmon]

if you hated 5 you would despise Kissin.

[kriskicksass]

Nowadays I would love five encores, but at the time I was ready to go to sleep. I know people who just simply walked out, too. *sigh*