Shuko Mizuno Biography Overview

Major Milestones of Shuko Mizuno

Shuko Mizuno - Biography

1934: Born February 24th in Tokushima, Japan.

1958: Enters Tokyo University of Fine Arts and Music.

1960s: Produces avant-garde recordings with Group Ongaku.

1960s: Studies jazz with Japanese great, Sadao Watanabe.

1963: Graduates with master's degree.

1968: Begins teaching and conducting at Chiba University.

1970s: Returns to lecture at Tokyo University of Fine Arts and Music.

1973: Travels to U.S. to study western music in CA and NY.

1973: Records "Jazz Orchestra '73" with all-star Japanese jazz cast.

1974: Returns to Japan to continue teaching and composing.

1977: Commissioned by NHK to compose "Tenshu Monogatari" opera.

1977: Composes a songbook for children.

1978: Part 1 of "Symphonic Metamorphose" premieres in Tokyo.

1983: "Tenshu Monogatari" premieres in Tokyo.

1983: Writes an eight-member trio for marimba and percussion.

1987: Part 4 of "Symphonic Metamorphose" premieres; work complete.

1989: Debuts opera composition, "Beauty and Beast".

1990: Tokyo Symphony Orchestra (TSO) premiere's "Symphony No. 1".

1991: Composes final opera, "Minamo".

1993: Produces musical, "When I Feel Like Crying, I Will Smile".

1993: Choral suite about the Sphinx performed in Amsterdam.

1995: Composes music for TV production of "On Golden Pond".

1997: TSO wins festival excellence prize for "Symphony No.3".

1998: "Muse's Holiday", piano suite for four hands, popularized.

1999: Musical, "Innocent Moon", premieres.

2004: Writes "Fanfare for Yachiyo Orchestra".

2007: Composes a "Trio" for instruments.