Yoko Matsuo, a native of Tokyo, began her violin studies in Tokyo at age 7 with the Hungarian violinist Ernest Tomassich. In 1949, she came to the United States to study at the Eastman School of Music, and following one year, entered the Juilliard School, where she is a special student studying with Louis Persinger. She was a winner of the 1952 Walter W. Naumburg Foundation competition. As part of her prize, she made her New York debut in Town Hall on November 4, 1952.

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Excerpt from The New York Times review, November 5, 1952

Miss Yoko Matsuo Makes Debut Here

Winner of Naumburg Award is Impressive in Violin Recital in Town Hall

"The young artist made an excellent impression from the start. In the Beethoven sonata, her playing was clean and incisive with fine singing tone. Her interpretation of the sonata indicated sound musicianship and a structural comprehension of the work... began the concerto at a slower tempo than its usual, but, after a tactful hint from Brooks Smith, her accompanist, in the piano part, brought the work up to its customary allegro molto appassionato. Her playing of the slow movement was expressive and her performance in the finale was a brilliant virtuoso display...she is a violinist of more than ordinary promise." J.B.

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