Nanae Mimura, an internationally known Japanese marimba artist, has been praised for her brilliant technique and rich, dynamic sound, full of emotion. She is only the third person ever to be awarded the Premio Alosi award in Switzerland. She also won the prize at the Concert Artists Guild Competition in New York in 1999. As an international performer, she has performed in over 16 countries, including in Europe, Central and South America; using music to promote international goodwill in a positive way. In Japan she has released the albums Marimba Spiritual and Universe on Sony Records. Her CD with arrangements and cover versions of the pop music of such artists as Stevie Wonder and Enya brought new life to the marimba, and won her both high praise and attention. She released her third album, Prana in 2006. This album differs greatly from her two earlier works; with a newly reborn pop sound; establishing her as a pioneer in the world of the marimba while bringing to life a distinctly 21st Century sound.
