Shigeru Komatsu
Cello
Shigeru joined WASO in 1987.
Born in Kyoto, Japan, Shigeru grew up with a passion for basketball. At age three, he had his first experience with classical music - a children’s story with accompanying LP record titled Gauche the Cellist. Gauche wasn’t the best musician, but was inspired by his interactions with animals to gain insight into music, and eventually became a top member of the local orchestra.
The story featured Beethoven’s Sixth Symphony, and upon hearing this Shigeru decided to become a cello player. At age sixteen, he received his first cello, and went on to study with Toshio Kuronuma and Noboru Kamimura.
After moving to Australia, Shigeru spent two years as a member of the ABC Sydney Sinfonia, before joining WASO in 1987. His most memorable performance with WASO his first concert with the orchestra - Don Quixote, featuring Brazilian cello player Antonio Meneses.
Shigeru is a founding member of I Cellisti, a cello quartet which has performed in Perth since 1994.
They toured nationally in 2003, and have performed in Japan on several occasions, including the World Expo Japan in 2005, and most recently in Tokyo in 2019.
Beyond music, Shigeru swims 40 laps each morning at 5:30am, then goes to the gym in City Beach, followed by a cool down swim in the ocean. He also enjoys cooking Japanese cuisine for his family and friends.
Shigeru's Chair is supported by unnamed donors through the Duet program.