Yasuo Kuwahara

Yasuo Kuwahara (, Kuwahara Yasuo) (December 12, 1946 in Kobe, Japan – December 6, 2003) was a Japanese mandolin player and composer for mandolin orchestra. He was chairman of various musical institutions and organizations, including the ''Nara National Women's College'', the ''Kuwahara Mandolin Institute'' and the ''Japan Association of Music Exchange''. In addition, he taught composition and artistic mandolin.

After completing his studies with Professor Kinuko Hiruma, he became well known in Japan for his musical solo performances on the mandolin and outstanding technique. He made his European debut at a Zupfmusikfestival in Mannheim in 1982, and as a result, the European plucked-stringed orchestra circles became aware of him. After his performance in 1983 in Providence, USA, Yasuo Kuwahara was also known in North America. After that he won increasing worldwide recognition and fame for his playing and compositions, performing in his native Japan, as well as Italy, France, Germany, Switzerland, Sweden, Denmark, Spain, Austria, Belgium, Australia, Russia and the United States of America. His compositions include works for the mandolin orchestra, as well as chamber ensembles and soloists. Provided by Wikipedia