Japan’s International Superstar Yoshiki to Present $150k Donation to Frost

Yoshiki — composer, pianist, rock drummer and leader of the rock group X Japan, and one of Japan’s most prominent recording artists and performers — will make a rare appearance at the Frost School of Music at the University of Miami Thursday, June 27.

By UM News 06-19-2019

Yoshiki to Host Masterclass Open to the Public at UM’S Gusman Hall Following Presentation

Yoshiki, who has collaborated with Dean Shelton G. Berg on many notable projects, will formally present the school with a donation of $150K on behalf of his non-profit 501(c)(3) organization Yoshiki Foundation America, and Dean Berg’s office suite will be officially renamed in Yoshiki’s honor. The presentation will be attended by a host of dignitaries from the school and the Consulate of Japan in Miami including Consul General Kenji Hirata and Consul of Administration Ms. Chie Rokuhara.

Following the presentation, Yoshiki will conduct a masterclass to be held at UM’s Gusman Hall which is expected to be SRO with students and Yoshiki’s fans.

The timeline is as follows:

12:00 PM – 1:30 PM – Dean’s Suite Naming Celebration / Check Presentation/Reception

(not open to the public)

2:00 PM – 3:00 PM – Masterclass to be held at UM’s Gusman Hall, 1314 Miller Drive, Coral Gables, FL 33146

(The masterclass is open to the public.)

In commenting Dean Shelton G. Berg stated: “I have had the privilege of working and knowing Yoshiki for many years. He is an extraordinary artist and humanitarian and I am so honored my dean’s suite will now carry his name.”

Yoshiki was named by Consequence of Sound as “one of the most influential musicians and composers in Japanese history" and is described by Billboard Magazine as "prolific" and "a musical innovator." He received the Asian Icon Award from UK’s Classic Rock Magazine and in 2017 was chosen to be the first-ever Japanese man on the Vogue Japan cover.

Projects Dean Berg and Yoshiki have collaborated on include:

"Yoshiki Classical Special" at Carnegie Hall, including 2 sold-out performances and a PBS special
“Anniversary" - a piano concerto performed at the Imperial Palace for the 10th anniversary of the Emperor’s coronation
“Art of Life” with the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra
"Golden Globes Awards" Theme
“Yoshiki Classical” album and Classical Tour with the Tokyo Philharmonic
“I’ll Be Your Love” - Theme for the World Expo in Nagoya
“Black Diamond” with the American Symphony Orchestra for the KISS Tribute Album
“Foreign Sand” with Roger Taylor from Queen
“Red Swan” theme for “Attack on Titan” anime series
“Miracle” with Sarah Brightman