Meet Riko Miyasaka
Riko Miyasaka is an internationally experienced cellist whose musical journey spans the United Kingdom, United States, France, and United Arab Emirates. A graduate of King's College London with a Bachelor's degree in Music, she brings a versatile artistic background shaped by orchestral leadership, chamber music, musical theatre, and opera.
Riko has held principal cello positions with the Florida Symphony Youth Orchestra, King's College London Symphony Orchestra, and King's Camerata Chamber Orchestra. She has also performed with the University of London Symphony Orchestra and Young Musicians Symphony Orchestra, appearing at distinguished venues including London's Cadogan Hall and Duke Hall at the Royal Academy of Music. Her orchestral experience includes a collaboration with internationally renowned violinist Midori Goto through the Florida Symphony Youth Orchestra and participation in the grand opening celebrations of Steinmetz Hall in Florida.
Beyond the concert stage, Riko has developed a strong foundation in musical theatre and opera, performing in the pit orchestras for nine musicals and four operas during her three years at King's College London. Her chamber music and collaborative performances have also included string quartet engagements, charity galas, and contemporary music events, reflecting her adaptability across musical genres.
Her artistry has earned recognition in numerous international competitions, including the Gold Prize at the 2022 London Young Musician International Music Competition, the 2023 London Young Musician Annual Star Musician Award, and the Bronze Prize at the Amadeus International Music Awards. She has also received Special Mentions at the Medici International Music Competition and London International Music Competition, and was a finalist in the Japan International Music Competition, Florida Symphony Youth Orchestra Concerto Competition, and Ocala Symphony Orchestra Young Artist Competition.
Riko's musical development has been guided by distinguished teachers, including Lionel Handy and Hugh Mackay of the Royal Academy of Music, along with Paul Fleury, David Bjella, Milan Jankovic, and Andreas Manoras. She has further enriched her training through international masterclasses and summer music courses, including opportunities in Florida and Prague. She also holds an ABRSM Diploma with Distinction.
Alongside her performance career, Riko is a dedicated music educator, teaching cello and piano to students of different ages and abilities. Her approach to music-making emphasizes attentive listening, artistic flexibility, and the meaningful connections formed through collaboration.
Drawing on her diverse international experiences, Riko is passionate about discovering new repertoire, exchanging musical perspectives, and contributing to ensembles that bring together musicians from different backgrounds. She looks forward to continuing her artistic growth through collaborative performance and sharing her enthusiasm for music with fellow artists and audiences.