By the time of her arrival in the United States in 2000 to study with Harvey Shapiro at the Juilliard School in New York, Sumire Kudo had already established herself in Japan with widespread concertizing, a record deal, and professional management. Her numerous honors include first prize at the 1992 Sapporo Junior Cello Competition, second prize at the 62nd Japan Music Competition in 1993, the Nagano-Aspen Music Festival Award in 1994, and the New Artist’s Award from the Ogaki Music Festival in 1997. Ms.Kudo has performed in recitals and chamber music performances throughout Asia and the U.S. She has also appeared in solo performances with Toho Gakuen Orchestra, the New Japan Philharmonic, Tokyo City Philharmonic, Yomiuri Nippon Symphony Orchestra, Japan Philharmonic, Tokyo Metropolitan Symphony Orchestra, Sapporo Symphony orchestra, Kyoto Philharmonic Orchestra, Okayama Symphony Orchestra and Nagoya Symphony Orchestra. Ms. Kudo has participated in numerous music festivals including the Nagano-Aspen Music Festival, the Aspen Music Festival, the Santa Fe Music Festival, SummerFest La Jolla, the Miyazaki Music Festival, and the Marlboro Music Festival. She is also the cellist of New York based new music ensemble Counter)Induction, which is described "a fiery ensemble virtuosity" "outstanding"–by the New York Times.In 2001, Ms.Kudo's second CD,"Love of Beauty" was released by the Philips Label and chosen for the Best Recording Award by Record Geijutsu magazine in Japan.