Shtrykov-Tanaka Duo, Duo

Biography

Comprised of two gifted and acclaimed virtuosi - clarinetist Maksim Shtrykov and pianist Misuzu Tanaka - the Shtrykov-Tanaka Duo has been heard throughout the U.S., garnering an impressive record of re-engagements. Clarinet and piano duos are still rare gems on the modern concert stage despite the immense repertoire. With its innovative programming, the Duo makes it their mission to transform the superb instrumental combination from a rare occurrence to a welcomed guest in concert series across the globe. Both graduates of The Juilliard School, the musicians first met in 2012 and, as avid chamber music collaborators, instantly felt a unique artistic connection resulting in an inspiring and creative friendship.

2016-2017 highlights include concerts for the Chamber Music Society of Maryland and Ridgecrest Chamber Music Society. During past seasons, the Duo performed on concert series across the country including Summer Stars Classical Series in Ocean Grove (NJ), Tuesday's Music Live Series in Augusta (GA), Frederick Collection Historical Piano Concerts in Ashburnham, (MA), and the Endless Mountain Festival in Elmira (NY) among others.

Maksim Shtrykov was recently hailed by the Lucid Culture for “clarity that’s viscerally breathtaking” and “effortless…quicksilver legato”.  As the recipient of the Artists International New York Debut Award, Mr. Shtrykov presented his solo debut recital at Carnegie Hall’s Weill Recital Hall in 2007. Mr. Shtrykov’s awards include being a two-time recipient of the Presidents’ Foundation Award “Young Talents of Belarus”, and a winner of the International Johannes Brahms Chamber Music Competition in Poland where he was awarded the Special Award for the best performance of a work by Brahms. He has performed in such major halls as the Polish Baltic Philharmonic and Izumi Hall in Osaka. Maksim Shtrykov holds a Master of Music degree from The Juilliard School, where he was a scholarship student in the studio of Charles Neidich.

Misuzu Tanaka is described by international press as a pianist "who dispatched everything with both dizzying speed and sensitivity" Today’s Zaman (Turkey), and for her “exceptionally high technical level” General-Anzeiger Bonn (Germany). She has established herself as an artist of remarkable individuality and poetic sensitivity. She has performed in prestigious concert venues throughout the world, from the Gewandhaus in Leipzig and Mozart’s Museum at Villa Bertramka in Prague to Alice Tully Hall in New York. Born in London where she began her piano lessons at age 5, she continued her studies in Japan and in the United States with Martin Canin at The Juilliard School. Her Masters and Doctoral degrees are from the University of Michigan, where she devoted much time to the study and performance of the works of Leoš Janáček.