Mari Yoshinaga is a renowned classical music artist who has made a significant impact in the world of percussion. She was born on December 28, 1982, in Tokyo, Japan, and grew up in a family of musicians. Her father was a jazz pianist, and her mother was a classical pianist. Mari was exposed to music from a young age and started playing the piano at the age of three. However, it was not until she discovered percussion that she found her true passion. Mari began her percussion studies at the age of 12 and quickly showed exceptional talent. She studied under the guidance of renowned percussionists such as Keiko Abe, Robert van Sice, and Emmanuel Séjourné. Mari's dedication and hard work paid off when she won the first prize at the prestigious Japan International League of Artists Competition in 2001. After her success in Japan, Mari decided to pursue her studies abroad. She moved to the United States and enrolled at the Juilliard School in New York City. There, she studied with Daniel Druckman and Markus Rhoten and earned her Bachelor of Music degree in 2006. Mari continued her studies at the Yale School of Music, where she earned her Master of Music degree in 2008. Mari's talent and hard work did not go unnoticed, and she quickly gained recognition in the classical music world. She has performed with some of the most prestigious orchestras in the world, including the New York Philharmonic, the Boston Symphony Orchestra, and the Berlin Philharmonic. Mari has also collaborated with renowned conductors such as Gustavo Dudamel, Simon Rattle, and Alan Gilbert. One of Mari's most significant achievements was her performance at the 2012 London Olympics closing ceremony. She was one of the featured percussionists in the performance, which was watched by millions of people around the world. Mari's performance was widely praised, and she received numerous accolades for her contribution to the ceremony. Mari has also been recognized for her solo performances. In 2010, she won the prestigious Concert Artists Guild International Competition, which is one of the most prestigious competitions for young classical musicians. The competition is known for launching the careers of some of the most successful classical musicians, including pianist Emanuel Ax and violinist Joshua Bell. Mari has also been recognized for her recordings. In 2014, she released her debut album, "Works for Marimba," which features works by composers such as Steve Reich, Toru Takemitsu, and John Cage. The album received critical acclaim and was nominated for a Grammy Award in the Best Classical Instrumental Solo category. Mari is also a dedicated educator and has taught at some of the most prestigious music schools in the world, including the Juilliard School and the Yale School of Music. She is currently a professor of percussion at the University of Michigan School of Music, Theatre & Dance. In addition to her performances and teaching, Mari is also a passionate advocate for contemporary music. She has commissioned and premiered numerous works by contemporary composers and has collaborated with some of the most innovative composers of our time, including John Luther Adams and Julia Wolfe. Mari's dedication to her craft and her passion for music have made her one of the most respected and admired percussionists in the world.

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