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It has been a milestone year for young violinist Himari: She signed with Decca Classics, recorded her first two discs for the label and made her debut with the Berlin Philharmonic — all before turning the tender age of 14 in June. And in March, she was named one of Classic FM‘s “30 Under 30” — a list that honors rising stars who are shaping the future of classical music.
Next up, Himari will make her Ravinia Festival and CSO debuts in a concert July 20 with the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, under Ravinia Chief Conductor Marin Alsop.
Himari will perform Fritz Kreisler’s La Gitana and Franz Waxman’s Carmen Fantasy, both of which she recorded for her Decca debut. Also on the program are the world premiere of Syrian-American composer Malek Jandali’s Rhapsody for Orchestra, commissioned by Ravinia, and Beethoven’s Symphony No. 7.
Hailed as a once-in-a-generation talent, Himari has won first prizes at more than 40 prestigious competitions, including the Lipinski-Wieniawski International Violin Competition and the Arthur Grumiaux International Violin Competition. "I can’t imagine life without the violin," she likes to say.
Born in Japan on June 24, 2011, Himari began playing the violin at age 3 and performed with a professional orchestra by age 6. In 2022, she became the youngest student ever to be admitted to the prestigious Curtis Institute of Music in Philadelphia. In the fifth grade, she moved to the United States after meeting violin pedagogue Ida Kavafian.
"At first, I was told, ‘You already have enough technique,’ " Himari said in an interview with the English-language website Japanese Forward. "Since then, I’ve focused on interpreting the music of the pieces. I used to enjoy playing vigorously, but studying at Curtis taught me the importance of musicality."
In March, Himari made her debut with the Berlin Philharmonic, a feat she had dreamed of since age 7, when she had the opportunity to watch that orchestra rehearse during a tour in Japan. “It was so magnificent,” she recalled. Captivated by the experience, she had aspired ever since to play with Berlin.
For her Berlin Phil debut, she chose Henryk Wieniawski’s demanding Violin Concerto No 1. "It’s not just technical, it has musical elements that make it truly outstanding," she said. "While it’s enjoyable to play, the practice is almost hellish. My hands really hurt," she said. Her left-hand fingers, used to press the strings, are now nearly a centimeter longer than those on her right, which holds the bow. "They’ve actually stretched. Isn’t that incredible?"
Since relocating to the United States, Himari has expanded her repertoire, to include modern works. For a recital tour last fall, she performed John Corigliano’s Red Violin Caprices, her first venture into contemporary music. The choice was inspired by a performance she heard at the Curtis Institute. "It sounds beautiful, but it’s really difficult to play," she said. "I carefully planned the program myself, ensuring it varied in its opening; I believe it’s truly wonderful."
For the 25/26 season, Himari will perform with several acclaimed orchestras, including the London Philharmonic (Oct. 29) and the Orchestre de la Suisse Romande (Dec. 17-18). Plus, she will make her CSO subscription debut in concerts Feb. 12 and 14-15, under Jaap van Zweden, as soloist in Bruch’s Violin Concerto No. 1.
Himari hopes to perform extensively with orchestras. “I want to prioritize concerts,” she said. “I love seeing the happy faces of the audience listening.”
