OKAZAKI, KOJI

Born in Hiroshima, Koji Okazaki began his study of the bassoon at the age of sixteen and had his professional training from 1968 to 1972 at the Musashino Academy of Music, thereafter joining the Tokyo Symphony Orchestra. A first prize winner at two of the NHK/MaiNichi Music Competitions, he was awarded the Deutsche Akademische Austauschen Dienst Fellowship in 1974 and embarked on a course of study at the Nordwestdeutsche Musikakademie in Detmold, undertaking concert-tours and recordings as a member of the Detmold Wind Ensemble. A prize- winner in the Trio Class at the Colmar International Chamber Music Competition, he graduated with the highest distinction in 1978 and was immediately invited to take up his present position as principal bassoonist of the NHK Symphony Orchestra in Tokyo. He also serves as a member of the teaching staff of the University of Art, the Musashino Academy of Music and Elizabeth Music University.

Albums featuring this artist are available for download from ClassicsOnline.com
MOZART: 5 Divertimentos, K. Anh. 229	8.553585
STAMITZ, C.: Clarinet Concertos, Vol. 1	8.553584