Why Storytelling?

Over the many concerts I have played, I have often noticed that a significant portion of the audience tends to be older and has long-standing familiarity with classical music. Concert organizers I have spoken to are eager to welcome younger or fresh classical music listeners to their audience, but the demand simply is not there. Classical music is powerful, but for many people, it feels distant and hard to grasp. So, I set myself a mission to bridge that gap: To make classical music more accessible. Both for the younger generation and for people who have never voluntarily listened to classical music before.

How? Storytelling.
Storytelling creates a familiar doorway into experiencing music. When listeners can relate to and see themselves within the narrative, it becomes a journey they can follow, a mood they recognize, a moment that belongs to them.

Mona Kuribayashi not only impresses with her outstanding piano skills, but also knows how to captivate her audience. She talks about the works she plays and reflects on the music that connects us as human beings and touches us deeply. (Original in German)

Christoph Konkulewski

Editor, Kölner Stadt-Anzeiger

First, there were some introductory words, followed by the fitting music. Pianist Mona Kuribayashi offered the audience not only the classics, but also made elements of nature audible. (Original in German)

Martin Borck

Editor, Westfälische Nachrichten

How do I tell the story?

My storytelling is designed to make the audience feel personally invested in the performance. I speak directly to them, using experiences and emotions they recognize from their own lives.

Only after establishing that connection do I link those feelings to the music. This simple shift — from “let me teach you about this piece” to “let me show you yourself in this piece” — transforms the listening experience.

It keeps audiences engaged, makes classical music accessible to everyone, and adds a memorable element to your event.

What is the effect?

A mindful state emerges naturally for your audience. They slow down. They listen differently.
They feel the story, the sound, and themselves as one continuous experience.
The moment becomes a deep dive into music and into personal reflection; helping them disconnect from daily stress and reconnect with presence, clarity, and emotion.