Chiho Sunamoto, who has recently been described as the Vanessa May of the organ and keyboard world, brings a breath of fresh air onto the keyboard scene. Originally from Matsuyama, in the South of Japan, Chiho began by learning the piano at the age of 3, from there progressing at the age of 9 to the local Yamaha Music School to learn the art of organ playing. During Chiho’s time at St. Katerina University, where she studied opera singing, piano and classical organ, she became one of the youngest people to pass Yamaha’s top exam, Grade 3 Music Diploma. Twice Chiho was a finalist in the Yamaha Electone (organ) Festival, which led to offers of work from Yamaha as an overseas demonstrator and contracts with two of Japan’s major TV stations where she composed and performed for a variety of shows. After leaving University, Chiho continued to tour as an overseas demonstrator for Yamaha, performing in 37 countries. In 1986 she settled in the North East of England and has continued to perform both nationally and internationally. As well as performing, Chiho teaches organ and piano, and is the only female in Europe to hold Yamaha top exam passes in Piano, Organ and Music Fundamentals.