Yoko Nishii distinguished interpreter of pianistic works by Croatian composer Dora Pejacevic - CROWN

Dora Pejačević, the first Croatian woman-composer of international reputation

Yoko Nishii at the Embassy of the Republic of Croatia in Tokyo.

She is distinguished international proponent of the pianistic work of Dora Pejačević,

the portrait of who is on the above photo on the left.

On 5th March 2023, the Embassy of the Republic of Croatia in Tokyo celebrated 30 years of unwavering diplomatic ties between Croatia and Japan. The esteemed presence of H.I.H. Princess Tsuguko of Takamado and other distinguished guests who have contributed significantly to our relations made the event even more special.

The celebration of 30th Anniversary was further enhanced by a wonderful performance of Japanese pianist Yoko Nishii, paying tribute to the legendary Croatian composer Dora Pejačević on the 100th anniversary of her passing on the same day in 1923.

YOKO NISHII Piano Concert
on the occasion of the 30th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Croatia and Japan

&

the 100th anniversary of the death of Dora Pejačević
Sunday, 5 March 2023
Embassy of the Republic of Croatia in Tokyo
Program
Dora Pejačević (10 September 1885 – 5 March 1923):

– Rose (“Flowers’ Life” Op. 19-5)
– Piano Sonata in B Flat Minor Op. 36
I. Con fuoco ma non troppo allegro
II. Andante con molto espressione
III. Rondo. Allegro risoluto

Kosaku Yamada (1886-1965):

– Karatachi-no-Hana
(The Flowers of the Orange Jasmine Trees)

Sergei Rachmaninov (1873-1943):

– Lilacs Op. 21-5
– Prelude in G Minor Op. 23-5

Dora Pejačević, portrait by Maxo Vanka, distinguished Croatian painter

YOKO NISHII (pianist)
YOKO NISHII was born in Ise, Japan. After graduating from Keio University in Tokyo for studies of French literature in 1998, she entered “Ino Mirković” Music Academy situated in Lovran, Croatia, with full scholarship for 2 years. She graduated from the 4-year academic program in only 2 years with excellent grades under Prof. Evgeny Zarafiants in 2000.
In July 2001 she earned “Master of Music Art” degree at the same academy and from 2001 to 2003 she worked as assistant in the piano class of Prof. Zarafiants. From 2005 to 2007 she did advanced study at Zagreb Music Academy as the fellowship under the Japanese Government Overseas Program for Artists. Winner and finalist at numerous international competitions. From 2014 to 2019 she worked as a part-time lecturer at Aichi University of the Arts in Japan.
She has given numerous solo recitals in Japan, Croatia, Italy, Hungary, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Montenegro. In Croatia alone she has held more than 50 solo recitals in 25 cities. She is extensively involved in research and dissemination of Croatian composers and music as well as
composers from other neighboring countries.
In February 2015 she has published the first CD in the world which includes the complete solo piano works of Dora Pejačević from Japanese CD label “Herb Classics” on her 130th birth anniversary. In July 2020 she has released her second CD album “Yoko Nishii plays Sergei Rachmaninov”.