Music
and Zen
A performance and lecture of
Zen music for the Japanese Shakuhachi Flute focusing on traditional shakuhachi
music and its relationship to the history and philosophy of Zen Buddhism,
as well as its cross cultural connections to Western music
and society.
Honkyoku, or original music, is the music most closely associated
with the shakuhachi. Most of the traditional pieces have been played for
centuries by Buddhist monks on the path to enlightenment. Passed down
from teacher to student in an unbroken tradition, these works have captivated
listeners with their unique and haunting sounds.
Modern music for shakuhachi spans the 20th Century, from
the folk-like impressionism of the 1920's, to the energetic rhythms of
the mid-century, to the brand new sounds of today.
Listen to Honkyoku - Banji
For complete bio click here.
Listen to traditional Sankyoku - Chidori
Listen to original music - Duo
ENSEMBLE EAST
Music from the Courts of the Samurai
Traditional Japanese chamber music ensemble of Koto, Shamisen, Shakuhachi and Voice. From tales of the Geisha, to the poetry of nature, the stories of old Japan unfold in this rich musical tradition. Modern solo and ensemble music brings contemporary relevance to their programs. Concerts are enlivened with commentary and discussion of the text and historical background. A unique innovation by Ensemble East is the option of supertitles, English translations of the Japanese poetry, that are projected during the performance.
For complete bios click here.
Sachiyo
Ito & Co.
Sachiyo Ito and Company performs a versatile range of dance styles including Kabuki, Noh, Okinawan court, Jiuta-mai, and contemporary dances that are a synthesis of eastern and western theatrical traditions.
Peace Quest, Personal And Global
Jack Anderson, The New York Times
Sachiyo Ito and Company offered a "Concert Dedicated to World Peace" on Saturday afternoon at Lincoln Center's Clark Studio Theater and made the program artistically meaningful as well as idealistically honorable. This New York-based troupe of dancers and musicians presents works in both Japanese classical and contemporary styles. The matinee harmoniously united them.
Taiko Masala has thrilled audiences throughout the US with performances of Japan’s traditional drumming – Taiko. Founded by Master drummer Hiro Kurashima, Taiko Masala performs at festivals, concerts, museums and schools, in addition to its active teaching schedule. By combining the training and discipline of Japanese martial arts with the precision and power of complex drumming Taiko Masala presents visually stunning and breathless excitement to their performances. The arsenal of instruments, all hand made by the ensemble, range from small eight-inch hand-held drums, to three foot barrel drums, and features the giant 250 pound O-daiko. Japanese instruments including shakuhachi, fue, and koto add richness and color to their programs. 4-8 performers. 2004-2005 Lincoln Center Institute touring artists.
Contact and booking info: click here
