MUSIC BEYOND TEAM

KAORI FUJII  |  Founder and President/CEO
International Flutist / Educator

Born in Tokyo and based in New York, Kaori Fujii is internationally renowned as a flutist, educator, and philanthropist.

Her performances have graced prestigious venues worldwide, including the John F. Kennedy Center, Carnegie Hall, Alte Oper Frankfurt, Liederhalle Stuttgart, Teresa Carreno Theater, Tokyo Opera City Concert Hall, and Suntory Hall, and she has collaborated with esteemed artists and orchestras across continents. With eight albums to her credit, including one shortlisted for a Grammy Awards nomination. She still holds the record for being the youngest prize-winner for the three biggest music competitions in Japan, which she won consecutively from 1996 to 1998. Beyond her musical achievements, Kaori is deeply committed to education. She has conducted clinics and masterclasses for flutists globally, sharing her expertise with aspiring musicians around the world.

As the founder of Music Beyond, Kaori's vision extends beyond the stage. Through this organization, she channels her passion for music into community empowerment initiatives. From her strong classical training to her diverse experiences, Kaori continues to inspire and support passionate musicians worldwide, including those in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

KEVIN MCGUIRE | Vice President and Security Advisor
International Security Specialist

Kevin McGuire has been in the security field for over ten years, both domestic and overseas. His expertise is in overseas security, specifically in Africa. He has extensive knowledge in the Democratic Republic of Congo. He has spent a vast amount of time throughout the country. He has worked with many organizations within the security field to include international bodies, policy-makers, partner organizations, key stakeholder groups, NGOs, at-risk communities, and the general public. Kevin continues his work throughout different regions around the world.

GINA IZZO | Board Member
Nonprofit Management Specialist

For over fifteen years, Gina Izzo has worked in the non-profit arts sector, focusing on strategic organizational development, programming, and audience building. She has worked with National arts organizations and institutions including Carnegie Hall, The New School, Chamber Music America, Welltone New Music at Symphony Space, and the Paul Taylor Dance Company.
Izzo's organizational development extends through leading workshops and panels at national conferences, organizations, and institutions such as New York University, Berklee College of Music, the Colburn School, Boise State University, Wichita State University, the Manhattan School of Music, New Music USA, Chamber Music America, Nat King Cole Music Educators Conference, among others. She is also the founder of bespoken, a music mentorship organization for women in music.
Currently, Izzo serves on the Board of Directors and is chair of the external relations committee of the Willie Mae Rock Camp, as an ambassador of the engagement council at The Interlochen Center for the Arts, and as adjunct faculty at the New School.

JULIEN BEAUDIMENT | Board Member
Principal Flutist, Lyon National Opera

Renowned flutist Julien Beaudiment brilliantly represents the French flute school. Born in 1978, he crossed the Channel when he was 18 years old to study at the Guildhall School of Music in London. He stayed there two years, before finishing his studies at the Conservatoire National Superieur de Musique de Paris. He was appointed Principal Flute at the Orchestre de l'Opéra National de Lyon at the age of 22. From 2005 to 2006 he was appointed principal flute of the BBC National Orchestra of Wales under Thierry Fischer and he temporarily took leave from his orchestra in Lyon, which he rejoined the following year. He is currently the only French flutist to have held this position in a great British Orchestra. From 2013 to 2015 he joined the Los Angeles Philharmonic as Principal Flute. In 2015 he returned to France as the Principal Flute with Orchestre de l'Opéra National de Lyon.

Yeremia Vindu | Country Director, DRC

Yeremia Vindu was born and raised in the North Kivu Province of the Democratic Republic of the Congo. He currently resides in the city of Goma and works as a freelance musician and web developer.

Yeremia is deeply rooted in the creative community of the North Kivu region and his passion, intelligence, and leadership skills make him essential to Music Beyond's operation in the Eastern DRC.

YUSUBU KASEREKA | Operations Coordinator, Goma

Yusubu Kasereka, a native of Goma in the province of North Kivu, has witnessed firsthand the enduring struggle and turmoil that have plagued his homeland. Growing up in the war-torn territory of Rutshuru, he felt a profound calling to utilize his musical abilities as a catalyst for peace, love, and harmonious coexistence.

Yusubu’s personal experiences and deep-rooted connection to the community fuel his commitment to fostering positive change through music. His unwavering affection, passion, talent, and insight make him an invaluable asset to Music Beyond.

YAN PHOLO | Regional Representative, Kinshasa

Born and raised in Kinshasa, Yan Pholo has studied at the Academie des beaux Arts de Kinshasa (DRC), and graduated from Durban University of Technology with a degree in Interior Design (South Africa). After establishing his career as an interior designer, furniture/stage designer, and a photographer in South Africa, Yan decided to move back to Kinshasa in 2015, and began assisting Music Beyond’s workshops shortly after.

With his language skills, charisma and natural ability to bridge cultures, Yan has become instrumental to the success of Music Beyond.