Yumiko Itoi

Yumiko Itoi is a distinguished clarinetist with a rich musical background. Graduating from Nishinomiya High School of Music in Hyogo Prefecture and Tokyo University of the Arts, she continued her pursuit of excellence at the Hochschule für Musik und Tanz Köln (Cologne University of Music and Dance)  in Germany, where she graduated with the highest honors.

Yumiko's exceptional talent has been recognized through various accolades, including winning the first prize in the clarinet division of the 8th Japan Woodwind Competition and securing the second prize at the 68th Japan Music Competition. Her dedication to her craft has earned her numerous other awards and honors.

Under the tutelage of esteemed mentors such as Tetsuo Ogawa, Yoshiaki Suzuki, Yuji Murai, and Ralph Manno, Yumiko honed her skills on the clarinet. Additionally, she studied chamber music with the renowned Alban Berg String Quartet, further enriching her musical knowledge and expertise.

Following her tenure as a lecturer at the orchestral research department of Tokyo University of the Arts (The Geidai Philharmonia Orchestra Tokyo), Yumiko currently serves as a clarinetist with the Tokyo Metropolitan Symphony Orchestra. She is also a valued member of the Tokyo Mitaka Philharmonia and the Triton Harumi Orchestra.

Yumiko's instruments of choice are the Henri SELMER Paris B♭ and A Privilège and the E♭ Recital clarinets.

Photo credit: Kohey Kanno