Vocal Ensemble《ＥＳＴ》
Vocal Ensemble EST was founded in 1992.The chorus holds regular concerts in Japan and overseas. The major achievements of the choir are: 1st prize at the Takarazuka International Chamber Choir Contest in Japan in the year 2000, 2005 and 2007, and 2nd place at the VII International Chamber Choir Competition in Marktoberdorf, Germany.They were also awarded the Golden prize and Minister of Culture prize for being the best Japanese choir at the All Japan National Choir Competition in 2003, 2008 and 2009.In addition, they won 1st prize in Polyohony Contest in Arezzo, Italy, in 2006, 2015. Most notably, the chorus was the Grand winner at the 38th International Choral Competition of Florilege Vocal De Tours in France, 2009 which entitled them to the honorable participation in the European Grand Prix for choral singing in Varna, Bulgaria in 2010.
Conductor
Masao Mukai
Mukai, Masao Born: 1958, Studies: graduated from Mie University, the department of education; Current positions: Artistic Director and conductor of Vocal Ensemble EST；member of the Japan Choral Director's Association, the Association of the 21st Century Choral Music, and the Music Tree conductor's group, Career: founded Vocal Ensemble EST in 1992; awarded conductor prize for interpretation of contemporary works at the 7th International Chamber Choir Competition in Marktoberdorf, Germany, 2001; awarded conductor prize at the 54th International Polyphonic Contest in Arezzo, Italy, 2006;
