JOE YAMAJI

With a profound musical education from Musashino Academia Musicae, one of Japan's esteemed institutions, Mr. Yamaji has emerged as a distinguished figure in the world of music. Armed with a Bachelor of Arts and a Master of Arts in Musicology, he honed his conducting skills under the tutelage of Professor Masao Kai, the former music director of the Imperial Household Orchestra in Japan.

 

Expanding his horizons, Mr. Yamaji ventured to the United States to further his studies at George Fox University. There, he delved into the intricacies of organ and improvisation under the guidance of Dr. David Howard. From 1990 to 1992, he immersed himself in the realm of orchestral music, training alongside illustrious ensembles such as the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra, the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, the Cleveland Orchestra, and the Oregon Symphony Orchestra.

 

As a conductor, Mr. Yamaji has graced stages in 25 countries, leaving an indelible mark on the global music scene. Collaborating with renowned orchestras, he has conducted exceptional performances, including engagements with the Voronezh State Symphony Orchestra in Russia (1999), the Shenzhen Symphony Orchestra in China (2002), the Shanghai City Symphony Orchestra in China (2006, 2007), the Bombay Chamber Orchestra in India (2008, 2009, 2018), and the "Century Symphonic Concert" at the Shanghai EXPO in China (2010), to name a few. He has also collaborated with acclaimed musicians from around the world, such as Sergei Polsmiak (Ukraine), Michi Hirata-North (USA), Rüdiger Steinfatt (Germany), Ji Young Jeon (Korea), Kaoru Kondo (Japan), Izumi Tateno (Japan), Chantal DE Zeeuw (France), Yi Fan-Chiang (Taiwan), and Natasha Tadson (Israel), among others.

 

Mr. Yamaji's influence extends beyond professional orchestras, as he actively engages with youth orchestras and community ensembles. As the former chairperson of the Music Department  at Sheng-te Christian College in Taiwan, he has played a vital role in nurturing young talents. Currently, he holds the esteemed position of Music Director for the Taoyuan City Jungli Youth Orchestra Association in Taiwan and serves as the vice-chairman of the World Federation of Amateur Orchestras (WFAO).

 

With his diverse repertoire and unwavering commitment to music, Mr. Yamaji continues to captivate audiences worldwide, leading orchestras with passion, precision, and an unwavering dedication to artistic excellence.