All these “obsession” with collecting vinyl has made me uncover musical artists that I would not have heard. So how did I hear of Hayato Sumino? Well in early November 2024, I was doing my usually online browsing on CD Japan, then I spotted this cover image.
I am always on a lookout for contemporary instrumental albums so this cover struck a chord in my “visual search algorithm”. So I paused on this listing, did some research on this artist, and then uncovered his “world”. Apparently he is quite popular in YouTube with over 1.5 million subscribers, but more than that, he is an accomplished pianist that won competitions. Coincidentally, “Human Universe” was his first vinyl album which was launched a few days prior to me discovering him, hence I “found” him at the right time (before the album potentially sold out).
My next litmus test before deciding to buy his album was to listen to his music on YouTube, and I am impressed. His is very virtuosic, rather flawless in his performance, hitting all the right notes throughout the busy musical passages. On top of that, his own compositions are a blend of Classical genre and modern Ambiant style.
The album reached me 2 weeks later. I was pressed in blue vinyl, the groove is perfectly quiet, showcasing the supreme Japan press factory quality. The gatefold album also came with an oversized fold-out poster and a 12-inch booklet. Totally worth the 7000 yen.
Fast forward to 2 years later, Hayato has released his second vinyl album, Chopin Orbit. Then when I saw that he would be performing in Singapore, I grabbed the tickets with my family and got the second-last row seats of the concert hall.
Here comes the kicker: I always bring a vinyl record cover with me to artists performances in case I get a chance for an autograph. For years, it never happened, until Hayato’s concert. After the concert ended with 3 encores, we left the upper circle via an elevator. Once we reached the stall level, we saw a queue. As we went closer, we saw an usher who was watching the queue and said “queue here for autograph session”. I immediately stood at the end of the queue while my wife and daughter went to the front to see the situation. Then came the confirmation: yes there would be a signing session.
There was a condition though: no video, no photographs with artist. Just sign and walk off. There was also security near the signing table to shoo standing people away to prevent overcrowding. But it was a good call, because the queue moved really fast and it gave everyone opportunities to get their autographs. Most of them got their signatures inked on the programme booklet, a handful brought piano books. I appeared to be the only one who brought a vinyl record.
It’s rather embarrassing really, but I simply could not contain my joy. Hayato took his time to sign a nice autograph. The icing on the cake is that Hayato shared my IG story about the event.
It is such a privilege to be in possession of a product that captures the performance of an artist of which he personally signed on to mark this moment of encounter, which is much more meaningful than just buying an autographed media. Thanks to my family for recording the brief encounter so that I can relive the moment.
25 Oct 2026 Concert Programme Highlights
First Half:
- Chopin: Scherzo No. 1 in B minor, Op. 20
- Chopin: Étude Op. 25 No. 1 in A-flat major “Aeolian Harp”
- Sumino: Lydian Harp
- Chopin: Piano Sonata No. 2 in B-flat minor, Op. 35
- Sumino: Improvisation
- Saint-Saëns / Sumino: Danse Macabre, Op. 40
Second Half:
- Chopin: Mazurka Op. 59 No. 1 in A minor
- Chopin: Mazurka Op. 24 No. 2 in C major
- Adès: Mazurka Op. 27 No. 2
- Sumino: “White Keys”
- Chopin: Étude Op. 10 No. 5 in G-flat major “Black Keys”
- Chopin / Sumino: Raindrop Postlude
- Sumino: Imaginary Polonaise
- Chopin / Sumino: Improvisation on the Ostinato from Chopin’s Berceuse Op. 57
- Chopin: Étude Op. 25 No. 11 in A minor “Winter Wind”
- Stravinsky / Agosti: The Firebird Suite
Encore:
- Chopin: Grande Valse Brillante, Op. 18
- Kapustin: Toccatina Etude Op. 40 No. 3
- Mozart / Sumino: 7 Variations on Twinkle Twinkle Little Star