<Translation>
"The second piece played by [Tokyo] City Philharmonic Orchestra was my favorite, Ravel's Piano Concerto in G major. The soloist was Hayato Sumino, whose performance I had never heard live before. I had heard him perform in Chopin Competition via live streaming, in TV documentaries, and in "An Untitled Concert" [a famous TV music program], so before the concert, I didn't feel this was the first time to hear him perform live. But when I listened to him playing in person, I was amazed by his sound and performance." (translation by @kari_kari1127)

<Translation>
"The G major Piano Concerto is a masterpiece. The three movements have strong personalities, yet they constitute a masterpiece because they are what they are. The start was in a sophisticated style. Mr. Fujioka's exquisite moderation set Sumino-kun free while maintaining a perfect balance between the piano and orchestra. The cadenza at the end of the first movement was like a dancing butterfly." (translation by @kari_kari1127)

<Translation>
"Sumino-kun's piano, like Mao [Mao Fujita] - kun's, is clearly audible without being buried in the orchestra['s sound], even in pianissimo. Even famous pianists often fail to have us listen to the soft sound in concertos because their sounds are buried in the orchestra ['s sound]. On the other hand, we can hear soft notes by the pianists of younger generations [during concertos]. I would like to know the reason scientifically." (translation by @kari_kari1127)

<Translation>
"Mr. Fujioka has already performed with Sumino-kun several times, and he is amazed at the speed he has grown; and he said in his pre-concert talk that he would like to perform with him more in the future. The highlight of the second movement was Ms. Mai Takahashi's cor anglais! Her tone was full of cotton-like softness, making her interplay with Sumino-kun's piano even more attractive." (translation by @kari_kari1127)

<Translation>
"[The characteristic of] the third movement is free, which is the key, and Sumino-kun, who has a background in Jazz, was vibrant and dynamic this time as a fish to water. Under Mr. Fujioka's skillful control, the orchestra, pushing the edge, accompanied him, making the performance all the more lively and thrilling, which was very glamorous to us audience." (translation by @kari_kari1127)

<Translation>
"Sumino-kun and The [Tokyo] City Philharmonic Orchestra led by "Satchi" [a nickname for Mr. Fujioka], who nailed the ending of the concerto, received endless applause. He played an encore after repeating awkward and slightly bashful greetings several times. Sumino-kun once again captured the eyes and ears of the audience with his rendition of Gershwin's "Swanee." Hearing his performance live made me appreciate it all the more." (translation by @kari_kari1127)

<Translation>
"After the concert, I thanked Sumino-kun for his wonderful performance, including the encore, and he said happily, 'Ravel and Gershwin are a great combination, aren't they?' He also said humbly, 'I like some Chopin pieces and some I don't, and the Ballade is the latter, and I am not confident that I can play it well.' " (translation by @kari_kari1127)

＜Translation>
"I said, 'How about [playing] Poulenc? I think you will deliver a wonderful performance.' He made a positive response, 'Yes, that might be good.' Maybe he had already played it. I said to him, 'Please keep up the good work, playing well.' He replied, 'Thank you very much,' and we said goodbye. He was a pleasant young man. "(translation by @kari_kari1127)