Canadian pianist Steve Barakatt concluded his whirlwind tour of Japan at the invitation of the Min-On Concert Association that began from May 16 and ended five days later. He performed at five venues, opening in Okazaki City, Aichi prefecture, and ending with a show in Inazawa City in the same prefecture.
Born in Quebec, Canada, Mr. Barakatt began playing the piano from the age of four, releasing his first album at 14. The prodigy started composing and arranging works ranging from jazz and pops at just 16; he has also produced albums for other artists. Min-On had previously invited the pianist to perform in Japan in 1996, 1997, 1998, 1999, 2000, 2001 and 2010, the latest tour being his eighth tour.
On May 20, the famed pianist visited an elementary school in Ichinomiya City, where he gave a free concert attended by some 600 students and faculty members. Having just celebrated his 52nd birthday on May 17, the audience surprised him by singing “Happy Birthday” much to his delight. During his informal chat with concertgoers, Mr. Barakatt shared that he was working with UNICEF and learned there were many children in the world who wanted to go to school but could not. That was why he composes songs to encourage them, he explained.
Min-On expresses its deep appreciation to the generous cooperation and support of individuals, organizations and concertgoers that made the Steve Barakatt Japan Tour 2025 a resounding success.
