Sony Classical announces the signing of an exclusive recording contract with young New York-based Japanese pianist, Hayato Sumino, who will join the label’s distinct roster of internationally celebrated pianists. His debut album for Sony Classical is scheduled for release in Autumn 2024 and will showcase his wide and varied musical tastes, featuring works by Bach, Fauré, Purcell, Sakamoto and Sumino himself, among others.

Born and raised in Japan, Sumino first gained international recognition in the 2021 International Chopin Piano Competition in Warsaw, where his unique and characterful performances captured the hearts of the audience and where he progressed to the semi-finals. Recognised for his distinctive style which carefully blends a well-honed classical technique with the fine ear of an arranger and strong improvisational skills, he brings a unique and refreshing musical approach to the piano.

Sumino has appeared as a soloist with numerous orchestras around the world, including the Hamburg Symphony, NHK Symphony Orchestra, Tokyo Philharmonic Orchestra, Japan Philharmonic Orchestra and the Polish National Radio Symphony Orchestra, with whom he made a recording under Marin Alsop. He shares his music with enthusiastic audiences both online and in his many live performances throughout North America, Europe and Asia. He won a coveted spot on the Forbes Japan 30 Under 30 list, became a Steinway Artist in 2021 and is an ambassador for CASIO electronic musical instruments.