Japanese pianist and composer Hayato Sumino on pushing the boundaries of classical music

Can you share your experience in the music industry? 
I started playing the piano at the age of three and have continued ever since, but I did not go to any music school. Ultimately, my love for music now occupies all of my time, simply because I am incredibly passionate about the piano. Despite facing minor difficulties, I have never felt like I didn’t want to play the piano.

Why did you start posting music videos on YouTube? 
It started when I was in middle school. There was a minor craze in Japan for creating and posting piano arrangements of anime, game music, and pop songs on the internet. Seeing that, I simply thought I wanted to try it myself, so I began naturally. I never imagined it would become as significant as it has.

Can you share your process when it comes to creating your own compositions?
It always starts with a simple improvisation. I try to record as much of it as possible and keep notes, then connect the good parts to form a piece. Sometimes it starts with a concept. For example, using a specific instrument, incorporating a motif from an existing piece, or starting with an 11-beat meter. Certain kinds of constraints can sometimes enhance creativity.

How are you pushing boundaries in classical music?
The world of classical music often tends to look to the past, which can sometimes neglect the importance of looking toward the future. However, classical music has always been evolving. New compositions continue to emerge, and the way people listen to music is changing.

While preserving the essence of tradition, I always want to be sensitive to what I can do as an artist in this era. The interaction and commonalities between classical music and other genres are numerous. For example, 20th-century composers like Ravel and Gershwin were greatly influenced by jazz, and minimal music by Steve Reich and John Adams has significantly influenced contemporary pop music.

Looking back, improvisation was commonplace during the Baroque period, which shares similarities with improvisation in jazz. By finding connections with contemporary music, I believe classical music can become not just limited to a select few but something more open and accessible.

What was your experience like at the International Chopin Piano Competition in 2021?
I would say, it was one of the most important moments in my career. It was not only about getting my name out there but the time I spent deeply engaging with Chopin’s music helped me grow as a musician. However, it was not always enjoyable. Since I had already become kind of popular on YouTube, I received more attention than other contestants, both good and bad. The pressure at the time was extremely huge. While there were times I wished I could have been more free, there were moments on stage when I felt I became one with the music, completely in sync with it. That means a lot to me.

Who inspires you?
Polish composer Frédéric Chopin for his aesthetic approach to music, which is flawlessly composed yet carries an air of natural improvisation. I’m also always in awe of French composer and pianist Maurice Ravel and Russian composer and conductor Igor Stravinsky’s beautiful harmonies; American composer George Gershwin’s genuine intent to entertain his audience; and Japanese composer and pianist Ryuichi Sakamoto for his ability to integrate beauty with nature.

Read more: Autistic savant pianist Clarence Kang and his mother Joyce Lim speak volumes through the power of music

What is your most memorable experience with the piano?
It’s difficult to pick the most memorable experience, but a recent one was when I played Gershwin’s Rhapsody in Blue at my Royal Albert Hall debut in London. I always play my own cadenza in this piece, but during it, a cell phone ringtone went off in the audience. My body reacted immediately and responded to it with an improvisation. Although it was an unexpected incident, both the orchestra and the audience enjoyed it, and it created a moment of unity in the hall.

What is your favourite piece to play and why?
There are so many but one of them is Ravel Piano Concerto in G major—rhythmic, with beautiful orchestration and harmony. Playing it just makes me feel happy.

What can we expect from your upcoming concert in Singapore? 
The concert at the Esplanade is organised by Future Classic, and the team features a program truly deserving of the name “Future Classic”. The first part will present traditional classical music, while the second part will include original compositions and attempts to connect to the future. In addition to the grand piano, an upright piano, which is not typically used in recitals, will be used to expand the possibilities of piano sound.

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