several venues including in a 10th Anniversary Memorial Concert celebrating the life of Akira Ifukube.

 

In 2014 Ms. Williams was invited to perform with the China Philharmonic Orchestra in Beijing and with the Guangzhou Symphony Orchestra.  Under the baton of Maestro Massimo Zanetti she performed Six Songs by Richard Strauss including China Premieres for Die Heiligen Drei Könige aus Morgenland and Gesang Der Apollopriesterin.

 

Building on the great success of here 2014 performances Ms. Williams was invited again to join the China Philharmonic Orchestra to perform Ravel's Schéhérazade at the Forbidden City Concert Hall.

 

In 2017 she launched a recording projects of Japanese songs which were recommended to her by the ex-General Director of the Japan Opera Association Mr. Hiroshi Oga.  In 2018 her recording "Kaori: My Home My Heart" was released on Asian Improv Records and through Amazon.comand Office LUNA PIENA (Tokyo).  Prior to this recording Ms. Williams had also recorded for Disney Education Productions under the direction of Mark Watters.

 

Ms. Williams has produced and performed five "Thinking of my Homeland" charity concerts for her hometown of Kashima; concerts which included both Japanese and international artists.

Kaori Williams is an international artist who attracts and delights audiences around the world with her vibrant lyric soprano voice and touching musicality.  Her versatility and repertoire - including Western and Japanese Opera, symphonic pieces, and traditional Japanese music - have brought her to many international stages and left audiences enthralled.

 

A native of Kashima, Japan Ms. Williams attended Senzoku Music University.  Upon graduation she joined Asunaro Opera Company (Tokyo), the Young Artist Program of Fujiwara Opera (the oldest opera company in Japan) and NAOS Opera Company (Tokyo). With these companies she performed main stage roles in The Marriage of Figaro, The Barber of Seville,  La Clemenza di Tito, and  Amahl and the Night Visitor.  With Asunaro Opera she premiered the role Kotaro in the opera Yuki and Oninbe.

 

For five years Ms. Williams lived in Holland where she appeared often in the productions of Carlo de Luka.  Her voice made her a favorite of concert-goers in Amsterdam.  While in Holland she traveled frequently to Rome to perfect her Bel Canto technique, culminating in a Special Judges Award at the International Bellini Vocal Competition in Sicily.

 

Moving her career to the USA Ms. Williams appeared in several roles with Opera Memphis including CIO Cio-san in Madame Butterfly and Liu in Turandot where she performed with the legendary Audrey Stottler.  She has also appeared in her adopted Chicago home in