Nozomi Shimamune’s Championship Journey
- WOMCO
- Jul 4
- 2 min read
Nozomi Shimamune was awarded the Annual Grand First Prize and named Violinist of the Year in the London Young Musician 2025 Annual Competition. She has also been recognized as one of the World’s Top 50 Musicians for 2024–2025.
Could you please introduce yourself and share how you first became involved in music?
I naturally started playing music because my family has always been involved in it.
The London Young Musician annual competition requires a newly recorded performance video completed in a single take. Could you tell us more about your award-winning performance of Tchaikovsky’s Violin Concerto in D Major, which you recorded especially for this competition? How did you prepare for it, bring it to life, and were there any particular challenges or interesting stories from behind the scenes?
I chose this piece because I began working on it two years ago, and I felt a strong desire to study it again more deeply. I tried to bring out the emotional expression that is so unique to Tchaikovsky. Before a performance, I meditate backstage to calm my nerves.
In your opinion, what defines a great musician in today’s digital age, and how do you incorporate your own unique style into your music?
Nowadays, with smartphones becoming so widespread, people talk face-to-face less than before. That’s why I believe live musicians are more valuable than ever. Of course, I focus on pitch and precision, but I also place great importance on depth of sound and tone color.
Would you like to share your experience of participating in the London Young Musician competitions, and are there any individuals you’d like to thank – such as mentors, supporters, or other team members?
Since it was a video screening, I recorded myself many times until I was truly satisfied with the performance I submitted. I was very happy and honored to receive the Gold Prize.
Is there anything else you would like to say to musicians and music enthusiasts around the world?
I’m deeply grateful to my teacher for their guidance and to my parents who supported me closely throughout this journey. Music may pass by in just a moment, but the emotion it brings stays in the heart forever. That’s why I hope people can treasure each and every musical moment they experience.
