NABESHIMA, Kaori

Born in Tokyo in 1960, Kaori Nabeshima (‘Kaorin’) studied in the Department of Composition at Musashino Academia Musicae. After a career in the world of broadcasting she made her debut as a composer in 1996 in the Blue Rose room in Tokyo’s Suntory Hall.
She has gained a high reputation outside Japan, with her works being included amongst the set pieces used in graduation examinations and recitals at the Paris Conservatoire and many other music colleges in Europe and America. Works by her are now receiving their first and subsequent performances worldwide, including in South America and Australia.
She has composed songs for companies and for commemorative occasions including Sekai wo mezasu wakōdo (‘Young People Aiming at the World’) to commemorate the centenary of Tokyo University of Foreign Studies and Tiara Symphony, a work commissioned by Hilton Tokyo Bay Hotel to commemorate the hotel’s twentieth anniversary. She has also frequently collaborated as a composer in the production of films and video material outside Japan.
Availing herself of her experience as a former student of singing, she has made frequent appearances in art museums and galleries not just as a composer but also as a singer and pianist in live performances together with visual artists. As well as being an avid film buff, she is known for her love of kimonos and traditional Japanese costume.
She was awarded third prize in the absence of a first prize winner in the composition category at the 12th Suita Music Competition. Her works have been published by Zen-On Music, Ongaku-no-tomo Sha and Edition Kawai and recordings of her work have appeared on the Toshiba EMI, Warner and Columbia labels.