Japanese violinist Himari has become the youngest ever female artist to join the Decca Classics label – at the age of just 13.
Himari will release her debut EP on 23 May 2025, preceded by two singles: Carmen Fantasy by Franz Waxman and Romance by Amy Beach. The signing comes ahead of her European debut with the Berlin Philharmonic on 20 March 2025 at the Philharmonie, where she will perform Wieniawski’s Violin Concerto No. 1.
Himari comments...
'Since childhood, I have had the privilege of experiencing performances by the Berlin Philharmonic and Vienna Philharmonic and have long dreamt of the day I would perform alongside them, through the orchestra members I met during my visits to Japan and at the Salzburg Festival. I am very happy to be signing with Decca Classics! I hope you enjoy my performances through the recordings!'
Himari's path to stardom
Himari began playing the violin at the age of three, and by the age of six was performing with professional orchestras. She has won several competitions, including first prize at both the Lipinski-Wieniawski International Violin Competition and the Arthur Grumiaux International Violin Competition.
In 2022, she joined the Curtis Institute of Music in Philadelphia, where she now studies under violinist Ida Kavafian. With over 100,000 subscribers to her YouTube channel, Himari has notched up millions of views for her performances online. She has also been named a Classic FM Rising Star for 2025.
Himari’s teacher, Ida Kavafian, remarked: 'If you’re listening to Himari and you close your eyes, you wouldn’t realise her age. Inside Himari, there is an older person and a wise musician… she’s immensely talented.'
Listen to Himari's first single, Carmen Fantasy.