Born and raised in Japan, Noriko Olling-Wright started playing piano at the age of 5 years-old, studying everything from classical to jazz to R&B. She attended Jinai College in Fukui, Japan majoring in music performance. In 1988, she moved to Los Angeles to sharpen her skills to be a force in America’s music scene. As a result, she has become one of L.A.’s best kept secrets, having played, arranged, composed, produced and musical directed for the likes of: Chaka Khan, P!nk, Teena Marie & Rick James, Gladys Knight, Michael Bolton, Richard Street and Ollie “Ali” Woodson (of The Temptations) and many more. Noriko’s unique background has given her the perfect combination of classical sensibilities and soulful taste.
In recent years, Noriko’s world has expanded into musical theater, lending her talents as musical director and keyboardist for many productions, as well as, composer.
Some of her musical theater highlights are: East West Players (Beijing Spring), Floyd Mutrux (Director, The Boy from New York City), Trini Garza (Producer, Troupe Productions) and Lori Joroslow (Writer, Baby Project).
