Takayoshi Wanami

Violin
Performs with key orchestras globally, is also acclaimed for duo with pianist Mineko Tsuchiya and trio adding cellist Ko Iwasaki, and “Christmas Bach Series” in Tokyo. Studied under Hideo Saito and was member of Toho Gakuen string orchestra in historic July 1964 New York concert conducted by Seiji Ozawa. SKO member since 1990. Teaches part-time at Toho Gakuen, Tokyo University of the Arts, Aichi University of the Arts, and currently organizes summer course at Yatsugatake to mentor young musicians.

Takahiro Tajima

Violin
Began violin in Nagano. Studied with Takayoshi Wanami at Toho Gakuen School of Music. Concertmaster at Sapporo Symphony Orchestra 2001–2004 before moving to Germany to study with Rainer Kussmaul at Hochschule für Musik Freiburg. From 2008 first concertmaster of Nordwestdeutsche Philharmonie, performing in Germany and European cities. Reappointed concertmaster of Sapporo Symphony in September 2014. Concerto soloist with Sapporo Symphony, Nordwestdeutsche Philharmonie, Hungarian Radio Symphony Orchestras, and others. Performed in front of Emperor at Tokagakudo, Imperial Palace. Lecturer at Takayoshi Wanami Yatsugatake Summer Course.

Yukiko Ogura

Viola
Born in Nara. First taught violin by Miyoko Uda in the Suzuki Method. Studied with Kazuyo Kimura at Kyoto City University of Arts. After graduating, joined the Kobe City Chamber Orchestra. Upon leaving, switched to viola; studied with Mazumi Tanamura. Moved to the US in 2000; studied under Li-Kuo Chang and Yuko Mori at Roosevelt University Music Conservatory; joined Chicago Symphony Orchestra in 2001. Moved to the UK in 2014; was Principal Viola of Philharmonia from 2016–23. Currently based in London, performing and touring as guest principal with English Chamber Orchestra, Britten Sinfonia, BBC NOW, CBSO and CSO, among others.

Keita Takagi

Cello
Born in Hokkaido. Graduated Toho Gakuen Music High School and Toho Gakuen School of Music. From Toho Gakuen Graduate School, went on to study at Universität der Künste Berlin. Won second prize at 74th Music Competition of Japan, and third prize at Domenico Gabrielli Cello Competition in Berlin. Studied with Yoshiro Uehara, Hakuro Mori, Ko Iwasaki, Markus Nyikos. Several appearances as soloist, chamber musician, and guest principal at leading Japanese orchestras. Part-time lecturer at Toho Gakuen School of Music.

Yasushi Toyoshima

Violin
Studied with Toshiya and Angela Eto at Toho Gakuen School of Music. Upon graduation, appointed principal concertmaster of New Japan Philharmonic. Soloist with Berlin Radio Symphony Orchestra, Moscow Soloists, London Mozart Orchestra. Member of Alti String Quartet, concertmaster laureate of New Japan Philharmonic, Kyushu Symphony Orchestra, special honorary friendship concertmaster of City of Kyoto Symphony Orchestra, concertmaster of Hyogo Performing Arts Center Orchestra. Professor at Kyoto City University of Arts, lecturer at Toho Gakuen School of Music and Graduate School.

Machiko Shimada

Violin
Nagoya native. Graduated Tokyo University of the Arts, top of class; Hochschule für Musik Detmold, Konzertexamen degree. Music Competition of Japan, second prize; placed in Premio Paganini, Intl. J.S. Bach Competitions; Aichi Pref. Arts Encouragement Prize. Released three CDs, including Bach Solo Sonata & Partitas. Central Aichi Symphony solo concertmaster, Mito Chamber Orchestra member. Lecturer at Aichi University of the Arts, Kyoto Horikawa Sr. High School of Music, specially appointed professor at Nagoya College of Music. Plays 1769 G.B. Guadagnini loaned by Yellow Angel.

Nobuko Imai

Viola
With her exceptional talent, musical integrity, and charisma, Nobuko Imai is considered to be one of the most outstanding violist of our time. She combines a distinguished international career as a soloist, chamber musician, and educator. She has dedicated a large part of her artistic activities to explore the diverse potential of the viola, such as annual “Viola Space” project, Hindemith Festivals, and Tokyo International Viola Competition. She is now teaching at Queen Sofia College of Music in Madrid, Kronberg Academy, and Amsterdam Conservatory.

Mazumi Tanamura

Viola
Born in Kyoto. 1977 Geneva Intl. Music Competition Viola Div., second prize; 30th Arima Prize; 2020 Kyoto Culture Award. Engaged by R. Muti as principal of Orchestra del Maggio Musicale Fiorentino. Was soloist at Yomiuri Nippon, solo principal at NHK, specially appointed principal at Tokyo Metropolitan symphony orchestras. Soloist with YNSO, NHKSO, Tokyo Philharmonic, Sapporo Symphony, and Orchestre de chambre Jean-François Paillard. Currently honorary principal at Tokyo Metropolitan Symphony Orchestra, solo principal at City of Kyoto Symphony Orchestra. Guest prof. at Tokyo College of Music.

Sumire Kudo

Cello
Native of Tokyo. Formerly of Avalon String Quartet, currently a member of the New York Philharmonic. Won 2nd prize at the 62nd Japan Music Competition. Completed the Soloist Diploma Course at Toho Gakuen College Music Dept. and then the Artist Diploma Course at Juilliard, where she was also engaged as assistant to the Juilliard Quartet. She has studied with Yoritoyo Inoue, Hakuro Mori, Harvey Shapiro, and the Juilliard Quartet and appeared in the Marlboro Music Festival, Music@Menlo, SummerFest La Jolla, etc.

Nobuko Yamazaki

Cello
Graduated Toho Gakuen School of Music. First prizes at First Min-On Chamber Music Competition, 44th Music Competition of Japan. Appears with leading orchestras home and abroad, active in recitals and chamber music. Since 2007 led ten-year Cello Sonata Series, with live CD winning 49th Record Academy Award. Dedicated educator, produces series for young musicians “Chamber Music with Rising Artists” at Philia Hall since 2017. 2012 TonenGeneral Music Award encouragement prize. Specially appointed professor, Toho Gakuen School of Music; professor emeritus, Tokyo University of the Arts.