Online Masterclass “Raden”

Guest Speaker: Chieko Fukunaga in cooperation with Curtis Patterson and the Yokohama International School

After Masterclass Series No.1, we are pleased to have Master Cheko Fukunaga back to teach us the ensemble piece “Raden.”

Composed by Master Tadao Sawai in 1960, this trio piece features two kotos and one 17-string koto.

The beauty of the shell inlay (raden), which shows various phases depending on the angle of light, is expressed in two movements each with distinct rhythms and melodies. This time, students from Yokohama International School will perform the piece with the cooperation of Mr. Curtis Patterson.

Date: Sunday, February 16, 2025

Time: 3:00 PM (Tokyo time)

Tickets: Webinar plus recording A$30 / Recording only A$30 (available until March 31, 2025)

Registration: https://www.trybooking.com/events/landing/1325806

• Free for the members who attended Masterclass No.1
• New participants will receive free participation in GKMN events as members until May 31, 2025.

https://globalkotomusic.com/february-16-online-masterclass-raden/

Online master class “Tori no Youni -Like a Bird”

Global Koto Music Network is pleased to announce the first in a series of online master classes, “Tori no Youni -Like a Bird” with Ms. Chieko Fukunaga!

Since graduating from Tokyo National University of Fine Arts and Music in 1974. Chieko has been performing, recording and teaching koto around the world, receiving numerous music awards and prizes. At the same time, she has been training younger students at Tokyo University and also Tokai University. She was taught “Flying Like a Bird” by its original composer, Tadao Sawai, and in turn for many years she trained younger students at the Sawai Koto Institute to play this piece in preparation for their koto examinations. This is a rare opportunity to hear about Tadao’s thoughts on his composition, and also to receive direct instruction on the technical requirements to perform this masterpiece of koto music.

This is a rare opportunity for koto players that are preparing for the “Flying Like a Bird” video project, or would like to play the piece one day in the future.

Date and Time: Sunday, June 9, 2024, 3:00 p.m. (Japan time)/4:00 p.m. (Australia time)

https://globalkotomusic.com/online-master-class-tori-no-youni-like-a-bird/

Tori no Youni

Composed in 1985, Tori no Youni (Flying Like a Bird) is a masterpiece of modern Japanese music and a stunning example of the genius and artistry of Tadao Sawai. In 2024, fifty koto players from around the world took on the challenge of reaching the high level of technical skill and musicality required to perform Tori no Youni. The result was a global video recording, beautifully brought to life through expert audio mixing and mastering by Shinji Tanaka, accompanied by striking graphic art by Miho Watanabe.

Hana Ikada

“I want to convey the beauty of the koto to the rest of the world…”
Starting with Hawaii in 1986, Kazue Sawai began scattering her “seeds” of koto around the globe, where they have successfully taken root, spread, and blossomed magnificently.
In this second installment of “Strings of Hope,” Kazue-sensei is joined by 100 koto players from the United States, Europe, Australia, and various Asian countries, all performing Tadao Sawai’s “Hana Ikada” together.

OKOTO

Recorded by koto performers that live all over the world outside of Japan, this video project brings us together through the power of music during the COVID-19 lockdown to keep the spirit of hope alive. We hope that it will bring comfort and resonate to as many people as possible in these difficult times.