Entertainment · Music · 12 hrs ago
Kanagawa Philharmonic principal horn player Yuka Bando dies at 37
Yuka Bando, a principal horn player with the Kanagawa Philharmonic Orchestra, died on October 18 at age 37.
The orchestra in Japan said she had been receiving treatment for an illness.
Her fiancé, cellist Rei Tsujimoto, said they had been engaged and remembered her warmth, optimism and expressive playing.
Tsujimoto is principal cellist with the NHK Symphony Orchestra.
Bando had joined the Kanagawa Philharmonic as a principal horn player in 2017 after working as a freelance musician.
Her death prompted tributes from musicians and fans in Japan's classical music community.
Tsujimoto later said Bando's farewell gathering had ended and thanked those who attended.
Yuka Bando, principal horn player with the Kanagawa Philharmonic Orchestra, died on October 18 at age 37.
The orchestra said on October 19 that Bando had been receiving medical treatment for an illness.
Cellist Rei Tsujimoto, a principal player with the NHK Symphony Orchestra, said he had been Bando’s fiancé and paid tribute to her playing and character.
Bando was born in Kobe in 1989 and joined the Kanagawa Philharmonic as a principal horn player in 2017.
Tsujimoto later reported that a memorial gathering for Bando had ended.
- Who
- Yuka Bando, principal horn player with the Kanagawa Philharmonic Orchestra.
- What
- She died at age 37. The orchestra said she had been receiving medical treatment for an illness.
- When
- She died on October 18; the orchestra announced her death on October 19. The year was not stated in the announcement.
- Where
- Not stated.
- Why
- The sources say Bando had been receiving medical treatment for an illness but do not state a cause of death.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
Bando posted on X about rehearsals for upcoming performances with the Alexander Horn Ensemble Japan.
Bando died, according to the orchestra.
The Kanagawa Philharmonic announced her death and said she had been receiving medical treatment for an illness.
Tsujimoto said the memorial gathering had ended and shared a photograph of himself with Bando.
- Age
- 37
- Death
- October 18
- Announcement
- Kanagawa Philharmonic Orchestra, October 19
- Role
- Principal horn player
- Joined orchestra
- November 2017
- Birthplace
- Kobe, Japan
3 sources
What people are saying
Her sound filled the hall without making the difficulty of the horn apparent, and it was always wonderful to hear.
It’s so rare to enjoy the Alexander sound with a lineup like this! The sound pressure and incredible technique are already overwhelming in rehearsal.
Yuka Bando, I played with her as a guest musician with the Kansai Philharmonic from around the time she began working in Kansai. I will miss her bright smile and warm sound, and the thought that I will not see her again.
I can’t believe I have to die yet! I’ll play even better!