Songs of Innocence

This album features two song cycles for soprano and piano by contemporary composer Masatoshi Mitsumoto. "Songs of Innocence" and "Songs of Experience" are both set to the poetry of William Blake. Mitsumoto was born in Tokyo, Japan and graduated from the Tokyo University of Fine Arts. He continued his studies at the Paris Conservatory with Paul and Maud Tortelier, Nice International Academy with Andre Navarra, and University of Southern California with Gregor Piatigorsky. Mitsumoto started his career as a cellist. In addition, he was a faculty member of the University of Nevada, Las Vegas; California State University, Los Angeles; and Whittier College. While in Los Angeles, he worked as a Hollywood Studio musician and for the Pasadena Symphony. When in Las Vegas, he worked in the hotel showrooms as a musician for many stars, including Frank Sinatra, Shirley McLain, and Sammy Davis, Jr. He now lives in California and focuses on composing and conducting.