It was only after the diminutive artist realised her hands were too small to become a true master, that she turned to percussion. 

Now, the Japanese virtuoso is one of the best in the world. 

She was the first percussionist to graduate from Rotterdam Conservatorium in Netherlands with the highest honour (summa cum laude), and is especially renowned for her abilities on the marimba – a “so large that Kuniko has to perform a kind of dance to play it,” as the Mona Foma publicity material says. 

And she said she’s very excited to be here. 

“What I like about playing in Australia is there are lots of enthusiastic and fantastic percussionists here,” she said. 

“They are so serious about their learning, and also there are really the finest percussion teachers here in Australia. Young percussionists here are very creative, and aggressive to learn, so I believe they will be the future stars in the world.”

Her Mona Foma performances will include her rendition of Steve Reich’s Drumming – a work that usually involves 12 instrumentalists, but which she will be delivering alone. Also expect a percussionist’s take on Bach, and on the works of Estonian composer Arvo Part. 

Kuniko Kato will play at Inveresk on Saturday January 19 at 2.30pm, and in the Annexe Theatre on January 20 at 2.30pm. Tickets through mofo.net.au.