HARUHIKO KONO
Born in Tokyo in 1958
Began learning Conga and other Cuban percussion instruments at age 21. Participated in Monterey Jazz Festival in Switzerland as a member of Nihon University Rhythm Society Orchestra while in college.
In 1982, participated in the recital of Kimiko KAWADA at Sogetsu Hall, playing next to master percussionist Yoshinori NOMI.
Served subsequently as an official member of Hisao SUDO & New Down Beats, Kimihiro NAGAO & No Counts Orchestra, Hideo MAKI & Los Flamingos. Participated at the same time in Orquesta 246 and Havana Club under the lead of Yoshinori NOMI, while heading up his own group Orquesta Puchi Land.
Participated in NHK's program, "Tribute to Tadaaki MISAGO" as percussionist playing next to Yoshinori NOMI.
Attended Varadero Festival on a trip to Cuba in 1984 where he met Oscar Valdés, his future maestro, playing as a member of IRAKERE and was fascinated by his singing voice.
Has resided in Cuba since 1987 and continues to study percussion instruments at Instituto Superior de Arte and Escuela de Superación Ignacio Cervantes.
In 1995, joined Oscar Valdés y Su Grupo Diakara.
In 1999, participated in the recital of Swing Twilight Orchestra at Utsunomiya Lyceum under the lead of his master NOMI.
In 2000, participated in the session of Shunzo OHNO, a Japanese trumpeter residing in New York, at "Jiyugaoka Studio".
Currently an official member of Diakara.
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