Karen Nobe

Japan

selected candidate

2026 CHENGDU INTERNATIONAL CLARINET COMPETITION

school affiliation

Tokyo University of the Arts

Karen Nobe is a talented clarinetist who began playing the clarinet at the age of 12. She has received a rigorous and systematic musical education, graduating from the Music Department of Saitama Prefectural Omiya Koryo High School and the Instrumental Music Department of Tokyo University of the Arts. She further pursued her studies and completed the Master’s course at the Graduate School of Music of Tokyo University of the Arts, earning the Graduate School Acanthus Award upon graduation.

Karen Nobe has achieved remarkable results in musical competitions. In 2019, she won the first place in the 10th Young Clarinetist Competition. In 2024, she obtained the second place in the 93rd Japan Music Competition. Throughout her musical journey, she has studied under many renowned musicians, including Megumi Ikeda, Kazuo Fujii, Maiko Kawabata, Hidemi Mikai, Kei Ito, Michiyo Sato, and Marcos Peréz Miranda.

Currently, Karen Nobe works as a freelance musician. She frequently makes guest appearances with various orchestras across Japan and actively engages in a variety of musical activities, showcasing her outstanding musical talent and professional ability.