The Cupertino Courier

City honors pianist as its distinguished artist

Makiko Ooka will receive Cupertino's 1998 "Distinguished Artist of the Year" award for her outstanding achievements as a pianist.

Ooka began her career at the age of 4 in her native Japan. She graduated with special honors from Kyoto City University of Arts before moving to the U.S. three years ago.

Ooka's accomplishments include playing at recitals for the "Listening Hour" series at San Jose State University as well as on television for the Grand Piano series. She was also the orchestral pianist for a special presentation of Bela Bartok's "Bluebeard's Castle," which occurred last month. Earlier this year, Ooka won the Concerto Competition sponsored by the SJSU School of Music and Dance.

In addition to performing throughout the San Francisco Bay Area, Ooka has performed in various parts of Japan and China, including Tokyo, Osaka, Shiga, Hyogo, Shanghai and Beijing. As a successful chamber musician and solo concert pianist, she travels to Japan several times a year to give lectures and recitals.

A mother of two, Ooka is currently a graduate student in the Silicon Valley Conservatory of SJSU and working toward an Artist's Diploma.

The Cupertino Fine Arts Commission will present the "Distinguished Artist" award to Ooka in the fall.

Divya Chowdary

[ Back to Contents Page | Cupertino Courier Home Page | Archives ]