Yu Tamaki

Yu Tamaki stands as a distinguished solo trombonist whose musical journey transcends borders. Born in Ashiya City, Hyogo Prefecture, his path to excellence began after graduating from the Hyogo Prefectural Nishinomiya High School Music Department and Kyoto City University of Arts. He later ventured to the United States, where he served as principal trombonist of the Mississippi Symphony Orchestra, lecturer at the University of Mississippi, and graduate school assistant at Pittsburgh/Duquesne University.

Returning to Japan, Yu Tamaki enriched his musical repertoire by participating in prestigious ensembles like Seiji Ozawa's Opera Forest and the Saito Kinen Orchestra in Tokyo. His pursuit of excellence led him to Europe under the Agency for Cultural Affairs' overseas training program, where he graduated at the top of his class from the University of the Arts in Bern, Switzerland, before joining the Southern Danish Philharmonic Orchestra.

In 2018, Yu Tamaki embarked on an independent journey to focus on his solo career, balancing performances and educational endeavors across continents. He is an official artist of Pro Arte Musique, US SE Shires, and Willie's Custom Brass. Additionally, he serves as the music director of the Fukutama Festival in Shimane Prefecture, Japan, while residing in Denmark.

Under the guidance of renowned mentors such as Ian Bousfield, Peter Sullivan, Shinichi Kure, and Hiroo Yamashita, Yu Tamaki has garnered international acclaim for his solo performances, masterclasses, and commissions of new works from esteemed composers like Samuel Adler, Yasuhide Ito, and others.

As the first Japanese brass instrument player to win prizes at two competitions under the World Federation of International Music Competitions, Yu Tamaki's accolades include unanimous 1st place at the 26th Japan Wind and Percussion Competition and 2nd place at the 6th Jeju International Brass Instrument Competition, among others.

His repertoire spans across various genres, from orchestral music to chamber music, with a keen interest in exploring new musical expressions. He has collaborated with artists from diverse disciplines, including painters, dancers, chefs, and filmmakers.

Yu Tamaki's commitment to education is evident through his seminars and workshops held across Japan, including the "Yu Tamaki Trombone Workshop," designed to train professional players. He has also contributed to music education through columns and one-point lessons in band journal magazines.

His discography includes the solo albums "Love and Chaos" (2018), "Colors for Trombone" (2019), and the single "Game from An;G;El" (2020). Yu Tamaki is also a member of the trombone duo "Tamashimizu," the tenor trombone quartet "4 TenorBone JAPAN," and the trombone ensemble "Slide Japan."

(©Patoricio Soto)

photo credit