Bob SAKUMA became first violinist of the Tokyo Symphony Orchestra at the age of only 19, was a jazz pianist at 21, and made his debut as a composer at 23. These achievements were followed by his work on numerous television dramas and music programs.

In 1977, he moved to Hollywood. After his return to Japan in 1985, he used his prodigious and versatile composition and arrangement skills in the creation of countless soundtracks, earning him his current reputation.

From 1995, he has been garnering attention as the Music Director of the Nagoya Philharmony Pops Orchestra. Since his appointment, he has been invited to be guest conductor for major orchestras in Japan and for the Super World Orchestra (SWO), among others. In November 2006, he made a unique and highly successful debut performance in Britain with the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra.

Among his activities in a wide range of genres, he was in charge of arranging and conducting classical concerts for the popular South Korean dramas “Winter Sonata” and “Beautiful Days” including frequent joint appearances with South Korean actress Choe Jiu. He also provides the Nagoya Philharmony Pops Orchestra each year with new arranged music, and the premieres of his compositions the symphonic suite “SAKURA” in 2003 and “THE EPITOME” in 2004 were particularly well received. In 2006, Sakuma composed the symphonic poem “NAGOYA CASTLE”.

He’s self-stated lifework is to “get as many people as possible to enjoy orchestral music”. Each of his concerts is a true feast, prepared by a master-chef of music.