Utako Tanigawa, 61
Computer science advisor
Dawsonville, Georgia
United States/Japan

Utako Tanigawa, a native of Japan, started playing the piano at the age of 3, but she stopped after 10 years. Later, she came to the United States and earned degrees in mathematics, computer science, software engineering, management science and engineering, and a Ph.D. in information systems. Dr. Tanigawa, who competed at the Cliburn Amateur in 2011, has been engaged in executive positions at global corporations such as American Express and Walmart for more than two decades, and she is also passionate about leadership development. About five years ago, she was diagnosed with cancer; at the same time, her love of music returned and provided what she calls a “tangible lifeline.” Today, music continues to play a key healing role as her recovery continues.

COMPETITION REPERTOIRE

Preliminary Round
HAYDN   Sonata in E-flat Major, Hob. XVI:52: I. Allegro
SCHUMANN-LISZT   Widmüng 

Quarterfinal Round
SCARLATTI   Sonata in D Minor, K. 1
MENDELSSOHN   Rondo Capriccioso in E Minor, op. 14
LISZT   Concert Etude No. 3 in D-flat Major (“Un Sospiro”) 

Semifinal Round
MOZART   Fantasy in C Minor, K. 475 
BEETHOVEN   32 Variations in C Minor, WoO 80

Final Round
MOZART   Piano Concerto No. 21 in C Major, K. 467: I. Allegro maestoso