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In the year 2025, the Slovenian-Italian cross-border region is undergoing a cultural transformation in the spirit of GO! 2025 – European Capital of Culture, becoming a prominent stage for artistic and musical exchange. One of the key initiatives in this landscape is the Prečkanja – Sconfinamenti Festival, a collaborative project organized by the Imago Sloveniae Foundation and Glasbena matica Friuli Venezia Giulia. The festival promotes high-level classical music through concerts, international residencies, and master classes, with a special emphasis on young artists of exceptional promise – the so-called “stars in the making.”

One such artist, whose performance became a defining highlight of the 2025 festival edition, was the brilliant Japanese cellist Michiaki Ueno. His contribution not only elevated the artistic profile of the festival, but also embodied its mission: to foster cultural dialogue, artistic excellence, and intergenerational exchange through music.

On June 27, Michiaki Ueno performed a solo recital at Dobrovo Castle, a recently renovated Renaissance venue located in the scenic wine-growing region of Goriška Brda, Slovenia. The concert was both symbolically and musically significant: it exemplified its curatorial vision of cross-cultural – not only geographically but also in terms of musical repertoire and interpretation.

Ueno presented a thoughtfully crafted program that combined two of Johann Sebastian Bach’s Cello Suites with three contemporary solo works by Japanese composers: Toshiro Mayuzumi, Teizo Matsumura, and Madoka Mori. The result was an emotionally charged and intellectually engaging experience for the audience, offering both stylistic contrast and spiritual continuity across centuries and cultures.

Michiaki Ueno’s performance was met with unanimous admiration. From the first notes, he captivated the full house with his impeccable technique, richly nuanced tone, and extraordinary control. As a soloist in such an exposed format, every gesture and every phrase carried significance. His Bach interpretations were marked by clarity, refined articulation, and deeply felt emotional weight. They were neither overly romanticized nor sterile, but instead balanced – a mature reading that resonated with both connoisseurs and general audiences. Equally impressive was his delivery of the modern Japanese works, which demanded a different expressive language that came to life through Ueno’s expressive range and interpretative intelligence.

The response was overwhelming. The venue was filled to capacity, and the audience rewarded the performance with thunderous and extended applause. After the concert, a long line formed to personally congratulate the artist – testament to the emotional and artistic impact of the evening. One audience member was heard saying: “The cello didn’t know it could be played like that.” Such spontaneous remarks underscore the uniqueness of the experience and Ueno’s rare ability to connect deeply with listeners through his artistry.

Beyond his performance, Ueno left a lasting impression through his warmth, humility, and openness. He engaged with audience members and festival staff in an approachable and sincere manner, showing not only the character of a great artist but also of a true cultural ambassador.

The Prečkanja – Sconfinamenti Festival is built on the vision of pianist Alexander Gadjiev, one of Europe’s most prominent young virtuosi and the festival’s artistic director. Gadjiev has shaped the festival’s programming around the idea of nurturing the next generation of global talent through exposure, mentorship, and meaningful performance opportunities.

In this context, Michiaki Ueno’s participation was a perfect match. As a young virtuoso of international renown, his artistic identity – firmly grounded in both European classical tradition and Japanese contemporary culture -epitomized the cross-cultural spirit of the festival. His recital was not merely a concert, but a musical statement about identity, connection, and artistic integrity.

Ueno’s recital stands as one of the most memorable events in the 2025 festival season. It contributed not only to the artistic excellence of the program, but also to the festival’s broader goals of cultural diplomacy and international artistic exchange. His performance was a clear example of how classical music can transcend boundaries – between nations, traditions, and generations.

We view Ueno’s participation as a major success and a starting point for continued collaboration. Plans are already being discussed to invite him for future editions.

In summary, Michiaki Ueno’s performance was a highlight not only artistically but symbolically – demonstrating the power of music to bring cultures together and to inspire through excellence. His recital will be remembered as a moment of pure musical dialogue, and the Prečkanja – Sconfinamenti Festival is deeply honored to have welcomed him.

We look forward to continuing this artistic partnership in the years to come.