Entertainment · Music · 8 hrs ago
Kanagawa Philharmonic principal horn player Yuka Bando dies
Yuka Bando, principal horn player with the Kanagawa Philharmonic Orchestra, has died at a time when she was receiving medical treatment.
The orchestra, based in Japan’s Kanagawa region, said she died on October 18 and announced her death the next day.
Bando joined the orchestra in 2017 after studying music and training in Germany.
Her role as principal horn player involved leading the horn section and often playing solo passages.
Cellist Rei Tsujimoto, her fiancé, remembered her music and kindness in a tribute, saying their time together had brought him happiness.
Conductor Keitaro Harada also recalled Bando saying after a September concert that she wanted to keep playing better.
The orchestra will share funeral details when they are settled, respecting her family’s wishes.
Yuka Bando, principal horn player with the Kanagawa Philharmonic Orchestra, died on October 18, the orchestra announced the next day.
The orchestra said she had been receiving medical treatment for an illness but did not disclose her diagnosis or cause of death.
Bando joined the orchestra as principal horn player in November 2017 and performed with it for about nine years.
Cellist Rei Tsujimoto, her fiancé, paid tribute to her playing and described their time together as a source of happiness.
Funeral details had not been announced as of October 19; the orchestra said it would share them when decided, respecting her family’s wishes.
- Who
- Yuka Bando, principal horn player with the Kanagawa Philharmonic Orchestra.
- What
- She died after receiving medical treatment for an illness. The orchestra announced her death.
- When
- Bando died on October 18, 2026. The orchestra announced it on October 19.
- Where
- The orchestra is based in Yokohama. Her place of death is not stated.
- Why
- The orchestra said she had been receiving treatment for an illness. Her diagnosis and cause of death were not stated.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
Bando went to Germany to study with Wolfgang Wipfler, principal player of the Stuttgart Radio Symphony Orchestra.
Bando joined the Kanagawa Philharmonic Orchestra as principal horn player.
Conductor Keitaro Harada said he and Bando had made a promise after a Kanagawa Philharmonic concert.
Bando died while receiving medical treatment for an illness.
The Kanagawa Philharmonic announced her death.
- Position
- Principal horn player
- Orchestra
- Kanagawa Philharmonic Orchestra
- Date of death
- October 18, 2026
- Joined orchestra
- November 1, 2017
- Fiancé
- Rei Tsujimoto, cellist
- Birthplace
- Kobe, according to media reports
3 sources
What people are saying
We respectfully announce that Yuka Bando, principal horn player with our orchestra, passed away on October 18.
Being her fiancé, even for a short time, was a happy time for me.
I perform with the aim of conveying to listeners the sound, articulation and song needed for each piece and scene.
I still can’t die yet! I’ll give an even better performance!