Naoya Yoshida (Violin) / Megumi Kawasaki (Piano) / Noriko Kijiya (Percussions)
"Jimmy Hendrix of classical music", violinist Naoya Yoshida holds this unique nickname, and his band is APO (Acoustic Passion Orchestra). It's a trio with only a violin, piano, and percussions, a new style of classical music. The band has played in varied venues including classical style concert halls, jazz clubs, and live houses. Released the new album The APO EXPERIENCE - short piece II - in June 2007.
- Naoya Yoshida / Violin
- Toho Gakuen University graduate. Pupil of Masayasu Nagasawa, Takeaki Sumi, and late Ryosaku Kubota. Studied at Ecole Normale de Musique de Paris. Pupil of Serge Blanc (former Opera national de Paris solo concertmaster). Winners at the 65th Leopold Bellan Concour and the 10th International Johann Sebastian Bach Competition. Formed a rock band upon returning to Japan, then went solo, and formed Naoya Yoshida / APO in 2003.
- Megumi Kawasaki / Piano
- Toho Gakuen University Music Department graduate. Played in operas, instrumental music, and ballets. Performed with the Armonia Nouveau Opera. Played Tsubakihime in its entirety in 2003 to rave reviews.
- Noriko Kijiya / Percussions
- Performs solo or ensemble marimba and percussions. Graduated with honors from the Kunitachi College of Music. Received the Takeoka prize upon graduation. Won the grand prix at the Japan Percussion Society New Future Player Concert among other domestic awards. Released debut album minimus in March 2006 from 247 music "del Gesu" label as a member of the marimba and percussions group minimums.