Masters of Traditional Instruments / Kronos Plays Music From Japan / Advanced Technology and Music Today II
Music From Japan once again began their season in Washington, DC, this time at the Kennedy Center, with another concert in their “Masters of Tradition” series. This program featured Hozan Yamamoto (shakuhachi) and Tadao Sawai (koto, shamisen and voice) performing contemporary pieces for their traditional instruments. After performing at the Kennedy Center on January 30th, the musicians traveled to New York City to perform the same program at the Asia Society on February 2nd.
On February 8th, Music From Japan presented a very special evening of music featuring the world renowned Kronos Quartet performing pieces written by Japanese and American composers. The pieces on the program were written by Hirokazu HIraishi, John Zorn, Somei Satoh, Terry Riley, and Akira Nishimura.
Finally, on March 23rd, MFJ presented their second event focusing on advanced technology and music. In “Advanced Technology and Music Today II” Yuji Takahashi, Haruna Miyake, and George Lewis contributed electro-acoustic pieces. Mr. Takahashi’s piece Tree, which featured the composer on electronics, Haruna Miyake on piano, and George Lewis on trombone and small Asian instruments, was commissioned by Music From Japan. The event was followed by the symposium “Artificial Intelligence in Live Performance,” which took place on March 24th. The three composers featured the preceding day were joined by Nicolas Collins, Neil Rolnick, and Zoe Nahler in discussions amongst themselves and with the audience.
© Music From Japan, Inc.
