[Obituary] Keiichiro Ishii, Director and former principal violinist of the Japan Philharmonic Orchestra

Keiichiro Ishii, former principal violinist and board member of the Japan Philharmonic Orchestra, passed away on May 20, 2026, at the age of 77. The funeral service was held privately with only close family members in attendance.

Keiichiro Ishii joined the Japan Philharmonic Orchestra in 1973. He served as Assistant Concertmaster and Principal Violinist before retiring in 2012. Meanwhile, he served as a director and chairman of the management committee from the foundation's establishment in 1985 until 2000, and was reappointed as a director in 2011. He has continued to support the orchestra as an active director for a long period of time, right up to the present day.

Furthermore, even after leaving the Japan Philharmonic Orchestra, she continued to perform energetically as an active violinist, leaving behind a significant legacy in promoting musical culture in her hometown of Yamaguchi Prefecture and other regions.

We express our deepest gratitude for your many years of contributions to the orchestra and offer our heartfelt condolences.

October 2026, 5
Japan Philharmonic Orchestra