Eugene Watanabe
Eugene Watanabe and his wife Dr. Vera Oussetskaia-Watanabe founded the Gifted Music School in Salt Lake City in 2009. As Artistic Director and Violin Chair he leads a synergistic team of faculty, administrators, 450 students and parents, and donors. The goal of the school has been to provide access to the highest standard of comprehensive music education regardless of financial background.
As an educator, Eugene’s students can be found on the concert stage, professional orchestras, and currently populating many of the most important academic and music institutions including Colburn, Juilliard, Juilliard/Columbia, Michigan, New England, San Francisco, Cleveland,Yale, Stanford, and all Utah Universities. His students have been frequently recognized with top awards at international and national solo and chamber competitions including Klein, ASTA, St. Paul, Cliburn, and a rare double win at the 2019 MTNA Nationals in Spokane having taught the 1st place awardees in both the Junior High and High School categories. Watanabe’s students have frequently been heard on NPR’s From the Top—as soloists, chamber group, and the Gifted Music School orchestra.
Watanabe was the first student in the history of the Curtis Institute of Music to graduate with a double degree in Violin and Piano. His teachers were Leon Fleisher, Claude Frank, Arnold Steinhardt, Joseph Silverstein, and Andres Cardenes. Watanabe was also deeply influenced with his continued work with Isaac Stern and Josef Gingold.
As a performer, Watanabe enjoyed an international performance career as violinist and pianist. Appearances with the Moscow State Symphony Orchestra, Calgary Philharmonic, Hamburg Symphony, Saint Lawrence String Quartet, New Zealand String Quartet, New York String Orchestra at Kennedy Center and Carnegie Hall, and countless performances with the Utah Symphony (more than 15 concertos); solo tours through Europe, Canada, and United States. Major awards at Honens-Calgary International Piano Competition, Kosciuzko Chopin Competition, Bachauer Young Artist Competition, two-time MTNA National winner, and the Kingsville Competition.
In 2017, Eugene and Vera were awarded the Utah Governor Mansion Artist Award for their dedication to community service. When not teaching and helping to run the school, he treasures spending time with Vera and his son and daughter.
Watanabe is a Steinway Artist.