KAMMERRAKU SPRING

Saturday, March 9, 2024, at 7:30 PM
E. Desmond and Mary Ann Lee Theater, Blanche M. Touhill Performing Arts Center

Kyo-Shin-An Arts and the Arianna String Quartet join forces once again with a program that fuses the ancient traditions of classical Japanese instruments with the Western string quartet, providing audiences with an exceptional concert experience. This memorable evening of music-making will feature Shakuhachi Grand Master James Nyoraku Schlefer and Koto and Shamisen Masters Sumie Kaneko and Yoko Reikano Kimura.

Enjoy the world premiere of Tommy - a musical fantasy based on a true story, a new septet by James Nyoraku Schlefer that combines two iconic chamber ensembles in a structure that is unique to Kyo-Shin-An Arts. Tommy loosely illustrates the tale of New York’s first encounter with Japanese culture, reflecting the story of Tateishi Onojiro, one of dozens of Japanese Samurai who toured the US in 1860, with a final two week visit to New York City. By that time, Onjiro (who was a very handsome teenager) had become known as “Tommy” and was sought after by the ladies for photos and autographs.

Sumie Kaneko, shamisen and voice
Yoko Reikano Kimura, koto and voice
James Nyoraku Schlefer, shakuhachi

Arianna String Quartet
John McGrosso and Julia Sakharova, violins; Joanna Mendoza, viola; Kurt Baldwin, cello

This event is presented in cooperation with UMSL Global as part of the International Performing Arts Series.