Name: How a Sunnyvale Kid Became Classical Music’s Biggest Comeback Story
Uploaded: 2026-04-17T02:01:51.000Z
Description: Jon Nakamatsu, celebrated pianist and 1997 Van Cliburn International Piano Competition gold medalist, shares his remarkable journey from a young musician in Sunnyvale, California, to a global classical music star.

Steve is an investigative reporter based in the San Francisco Bay Area.

Steve Ispas

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Steve Ispas is an investigative journalist with The Epoch Times and the host of Epoch TV’s “Bay Area Innovators” program. Steve grew up in Eastern Europe, and lived in the San Francisco Bay Area for 35 years. He worked in the tech industry for 15 years at LSI Logic and Rambus, and has been with The Epoch Times in various positions since 2003. His recent coverage includes an in-depth exclusive investigation of the secret Chinese biolab discovered in Reedley, Calif., in 2022.

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In today’s episode, Jon Nakamatsu, celebrated pianist and 1997 Van Cliburn International Piano Competition gold medalist, shares his remarkable journey from a young musician in Sunnyvale, California, to a global classical music star.

Nakamatsu reflects on the pivotal role his first piano teacher played in his career, guiding him from his earliest scale exercises to the prestigious Van Cliburn stage.

“Winning the competition changed my life overnight,” he says, recounting the challenges of navigating fame, rejection, and the subjective nature of music competitions.

He also opens up about the profound connection he feels while performing, describing moments of divine inspiration that transcend the notes on the page. From unforgettable tours with the Berlin Philharmonic’s wind quintet to serving on the jury at the Van Cliburn Competition, Nakamatsu offers insights into the artistry and resilience required in the world of classical music.

Join us for an inspiring conversation on the power of music, the pursuit of passion, and why the arts matter for everyone.

<em>Views expressed in this video are opinions of the host and guests, and do not necessarily reflect the views of  NTD.</em>

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