Yui Sakata Artist Interview
Yui Sakata is a Japanese flutist based in Germany who studied in Osaka, Tokyo, Paris, and Freiburg. She has been recognized for her artistry, winning several international competitions, including First Prize at the Dutch Flute Competition. Sakata continues to develop her career as a soloist and orchestral musician around the world.
Can you give us 5 career highlights?
First of all, I’d like to tell you about the Kyoto French Music Academy, which is held every year and includes a conducting class. For that class, I performed Daphnis et Chloé with the orchestra. Jean Ferrandis, who was the conducting professor, encouraged me the following year to join his flute masterclass. I did so, and afterward he invited me to come to France to study. At the time, I hadn’t seriously considered studying abroad for financial reasons, but already being deeply inspired by Jean’s music and teaching, I replied on the spot, “Anytime!” without even asking my parents. That led to a scholarship to study at the École Normale de Musique de Paris, and about five months later, I found myself there with only a little English and no French at all — I had never even been outside Japan before. It was my first step into Europe.
Then, in my second year studying in France, I hit a wall. I seriously considered quitting the flute and returning to Japan. Seeing me struggle, Jean encouraged me to try the Cimarosa International Flute Competition in Italy, to give me a goal during that difficult time. There were moments during lessons when I would even tear up, but he always supported me and pushed me to keep going with my music. So I decided to take my chance. I’ve always had terrible luck with transportation — I have plenty of funny stories about it (which I’ll skip for brevity) — and, unsurprisingly, there was a major problem this time as well. I didn’t even make it to registration on time, but somehow I was still allowed to perform, and I ended up winning first prize. It was the first time I had gone through three rounds and emerged first, which allowed me to truly appreciate the joy of sharing music. It’s a stage I’ll never forget.
The story doesn’t end there. One of the judges of that competition, Mario Caroli, encouraged me to apply to his flute class at the Hochschule für Musik Freiburg. Instead of giving up, I decided to continue my musical journey in a new place. I still remember the energy I put into learning German from zero to B1 on my own in just six months (during the COVID period, there wasn’t much else to do anyway). Under Mario’s guidance, I received incredible support and inspiration, and I challenged myself in countless ways, including taking part in many international competitions such as the ARD, Geneva, and Kobe, each of which helped me grow and expand my musical horizons. Without him, I probably wouldn’t even be in Europe today. Even after completing my studies, he remains an important mentor to me.
Another key moment in my career was the Dutch International Flute Competition. In 2022, I had the opportunity to perform a concerto with the orchestra in the final, an experience that left a lasting impression on me. Beyond the performance itself, I was able to connect with many flutists, which made the experience even more meaningful. Competitions like these have helped me grow both as a musician and as a person.
Last but not least, before coming to Freiburg, I had never really imagined becoming an orchestral musician. It was only after starting studying at the Hochschule für Musik Freiburg that I began taking orchestral auditions. Since I hadn’t followed the usual path of academies or internships, my first long-term opportunity to play in an orchestra came in 2022, when I received a temporary contract first as associate principal and later as principal at Theater Freiburg (Philharmonisches Orchester Freiburg). Through symphony concerts and opera productions, I’ve gained so many new and unforgettable experiences.
How about 3 pivotal moments that were essential to creating the artist that you've become?
To begin with, since childhood, I had taken piano lessons and played violin, trombone, oboe, flute, and baritone saxophone in the school music club, the brass band, and the wind orchestra, as well as singing in a choir (I still truly love singing!). I had always loved music, but I had never considered becoming a professional musician, nor did I know how to pursue that path. So, I decided to aim for a career as a high school music teacher and enrolled in an education university in Osaka. It was there that my professor asked me, “Have you ever thought about pursuing the flute seriously?” That question became a turning point, and at the age of twenty, I fully committed myself to becoming a musician.
«Fais-toi plaisir ! L'important, c’est que tu sois heureuse. La vie, c’est le plus important. Profite de la vie dès que tu peux. Si ta vie est belle, ta musique va être belle. Pense toujours positif, cherche la lumière toujours !»
Jean Ferrandis gave me this advice during one of our last lessons, and it has a special meaning for me. Becoming a true artist isn’t just about practicing to reach a high technical level — it’s also about living as a beautiful, authentic human being. He showed me that through my music, I can express who I truly am.
Lastly, before studying with Mario Caroli, I had never taken an orchestral audition and hadn’t even considered it. It was his suggestion to try one that made me start thinking seriously about a career as an orchestral musician. While learning a wide range of repertoire important for me as a flutist from him, I also began preparing for orchestral auditions. Although I haven’t fully achieved that goal yet, I remain determined to continue working hard to make it a reality.
Do you teach? What do you like best about teaching?
Teaching isn’t my main occupation for now, but I’m sometimes asked for lessons. I really enjoy sharing an interpretation with students and helping students develop their music.
What do you like best about performing?
I love sharing the atmosphere, colors, and moments that music creates with everyone around, regardless of who they are. I enjoy playing by following the inspiration that comes from the moment. When someone tells me afterward that they were moved or even brought to tears, it makes me so happy — like, “Yes, it touched their heart!”
I also truly love performing chamber music and in orchestras, where the blending of sounds, the musical dialogue, and the spontaneous interactions create moments that could never happen alone. Experiencing those unique musical “chemistry” moments is something I love deeply.
What are your goals personally? Professionally?
One of my biggest short-term goals is to earn a permanent position in an orchestra. Beyond that, I also want to stay active as a soloist and in chamber music. Ultimately, while continuing to grow as a musician, I hope to share the valuable lessons I’ve learned from the people who have guided and inspired me with the next generation of musicians.
On a personal level, something I never want to forget is the importance of being a warm human being. There are many moments when, in the midst of challenges or setbacks, it's easy to lose sight of how wonderful and lucky I am simply to be able to make music. But the artists I truly admire all share a kind, beautiful, and pure heart. As both a musician and a person, I aspire to be like them... in my own way, of course.
What inspires you the most in life?
Maybe it’s nature itself. I was born and raised in Tottori, Japan, the least populated prefecture in the country. Trains run at most once an hour, and the line near my area wasn’t very convenient. Everywhere was too far to walk, so I usually got around by bicycle or by car, driven by my parents. In that sense, it was a somewhat inconvenient place to live, but it was overflowing with nature — the sea, mountains, rivers, waterfalls, lakes and, a bit farther from home, the famous Tottori sand dunes. Growing up freely in such a place, surrounded by nature and delicious food, I received immense inspiration and developed a deep sensitivity from the natural world. For example, the changing colors, humidity, temperature, scents, and the softness of the light in each season make everything appear different in its own way at every moment...the list goes on. In that sense, I truly feel that Freiburg, where I am now, is also a city full of inspiration.
What has been your greatest challenge?
It might not exactly fit the phrase “greatest challenge,” but I think one of the hardest things is to keep going as a musician; to not give up, even after facing failure or setbacks. I believe that’s something we, as musicians, will continue to face and grow through all our lives.
Can you give us 5 quirky, secret, fun, (don't think too much about this) hobbies or passions?
I enjoy painting, taking spontaneous trips, chatting or catching up with people, learning Italian on Duolingo and going for walks.
What 3 things would you offer as advice for a young flutist?
To stay pure and curious, to keep believing and never give up, and to make sure to take proper breaks and get some fresh air (a reminder I often need myself!)