GASCAJapan · Tokyo
English

Jury · 審査員

Judged by international artists

GASCA's jury is drawn from performers and educators working around the world. The musicians below served on the jury in previous editions; the 2026 panel is announced before the final.

Marco Fatichenti

Pianist

An internationally acclaimed performer and recording artist who has appeared at Wigmore Hall, Queen Elizabeth Hall, Birmingham Symphony Hall, Madrid's Auditorio Nacional and Barcelona's Auditori. He holds a doctorate from King's College London and is a sought-after teacher.

吉峯 勇二郎 Yujiro Yoshimine

Jazz bassist and composer

Born in Japan and trained at the Yamaha Popular Music School and the University of North Texas, Yujiro has performed across the Dallas–Fort Worth jazz scene and alongside figures such as Bernard Wright, Bobby Sparks and Shelley Carroll.

Christina Knudson

Violinist

An American violinist based in Kawasaki who tours Japan with the IlluminArt Philharmonic Orchestra and holds a First Violin position with the California Symphony. A registered Suzuki teacher with over fifteen years of teaching experience.

吉本 章紘 Akihiro Yoshimoto

Saxophonist and composer

A Berklee College of Music graduate and Tokyo-based bandleader who has released five albums and performed at Tokyo Jazz, Yokohama Jazz Promenade and Blue Note Tokyo with the Billy Childs Quartet.

Words from the jury

Advice for young musicians

“Play the music you love. A jury hears honesty long before it hears perfection.”
Marco Fatichenti — Pianist
“Music is an interesting and equal art. Each and every one of us has a special talent. Believe in the musical talent that only you possess.”
吉峯 勇二郎 Yujiro Yoshimine — Jazz bassist and composer
“Every performance in front of a jury teaches you something a practice room never will.”
Christina Knudson — Violinist
“Come to Tokyo with curiosity. The exchange between young musicians here is as valuable as any prize.”
吉本 章紘 Akihiro Yoshimoto — Saxophonist and composer