Join us for the Zakuro Show's new concert - a creative fusion of Japanese traditional instruments, violins, calligraphy, sword martial art iaido, and traditional dance! Don't miss this unique musical performance by the world's top artists!
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SPONSORED BY
Japan Agency of Cultural Affairs Program
[ARTS for the future! 2]
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The special Zakuro event [ZAKURO SHOW GLOBAL] is back! This year's feature program is even more unique, with surprises and special guests!
Part One of the program is an intricate fusion of classical music and Japanese art performance. On the stage, the immortal masterpieces of Bach for solo violin will inspire a live performance by masters of calligraphy and sword martial art iaido.
First, the stage will be taken by Karen Israelyan, a renowned violinist beloved by many Zakuro fans after last year's [Zakuro Show Global] Suntory Hall solo and collaboration performances. After that, we will welcome an international violinist Zohrab Tadevosyan - a special guest from Spain who came to Japan exclusively for the ZAKURO event. Don't miss the opportunity to hear this world-class violinist known for his faithful interpretation of Bach's music!
While the violin sings, you will immerse in a spiritual experience where Bach meets Japan's finest brush and sword. The first special guest is William Reed - a certified professor of calligraphy with the highest 10th dan in Shodo, and an internationally famous martial artist.
The next special guests are two masters of iaido. Master Hogyoku Takeda, the International Iaido Federation Hogyoku president, is the legitimate successor to the 340-year-old Mugairyu iaido license and a "modern-day samurai" who is attracting attention worldwide. Master Ogyoku Yasumura, a holder of 6th Dan in the International Iaido Federation Hogyoku, is a winner of three All-Japan tournaments: Kata, Jiyu-kumitachi, and tameshi-giri.
Part Two of the concert program will bring you something different. The Japanese traditional instruments "Aioi Ensemble" will claim the stage. Beloved and familiar to Zakuro Show fans, this group of Japan-best musicians prepared a special program where they will collaborate with Japanese dance and violin, in addition to popular pieces from their regular repertoire.
For the first time at the ZAKURO SHOW, the ensemble will perform "Arenezumi". For this, they will be joined by "Nihon Buyo" special guests Genkurou Hanayagi and Mikifuu Hanayagi from the Hanayagi school – the largest of the five major schools of Japanese dance.
In addition, Aioi Ensemble and the guest violinist will perform a special arrangement of Brahms' piece together, providing an opportunity to discover the charm of Japanese instruments from a new perspective.
A once-in-a-lifetime experience is waiting for you. Get your tickets!
We can't wait to see you at our concert!
Date: December 17, 2022 (Sat) Open doors 13:30/Starting 14:00
Venue: Nikkei Hall (Otemachi subway station Exit C2b)
PROGRAM
PART ONE
VIOLIN & CALLIGRAPHY | IAIDO PERFORMANCE
1. Sonata for solo violin No.1 in G minor - Adagio
J.S.Bach
2. Partita for Solo Violin No.2 in D minor
J.S.Bach
PART TWO
WAGAKKI & COLLABORATIONS
1. Muika - Yutaka Makino
(Wagakki)
2. Arenezumi - Unknown composer
(Wagakki, Japanese Dance)
3. Soran Scherzo - Shingo Edo
(Wagakki)
4. Hungarian Dance No.5 In G Minor - J.Brahms
(Wagakki & Violin collaboration)
ARTISTS
VIOLIN
Zohrab Tadevosyan
Assistant Concertmaster of the Orchestra Teatro Real (Madrid, Spain). From the age of 13, he studied under the tutelage of his uncle, Professor Eduard Tadevosyan. The latter was, in turn, a disciple of the great virtuoso violinist of the 20th century Leonid Kogan. Winner of various European competitions. Studied with prof. Zakhar Bron at Reina Sofía School of Music.
Since 2010 Zohrab has taught as a Professor at the Reina Sofía School of Music in Madrid. In 2013th, he was appointed as a Professor at Katarina Gurska Conservatory. At the same time, he is an internationally known musician who has served as a jury member for prestigious international violin competitions, including the "Louis Spohr International Violin Competition" in Germany.
Karen Israelyan
Born in Armenia. After graduating from Yerevan State Conservatory with honors, Karen continued to study at Vienna Conservatory (Austria). At the beginning of his musical career, Karen worked in Orchestra Academia Grad Theatre Liceu (Barcelona). Since 2009 he has lived in Japan. Since 2011 he has been a regular member of the IlluminArt Orchestra in Tokyo.
Karen actively performs Solo and as a part of Chamber ensemble. He has been invited to many international events, including the Spanish Film Festival. In 2019, he took the stage at Carnegie Hall in New York City as violinist and artistic director. He has a deep knowledge of folk music and actively collaborates with Japanese culture.
Iaido
CALLIGRAPHY
William Reed
Professor at iCLA, Aikido Yuishinkai 8th Dan, Hogyokukai 2nd Dan, All-Japan Education Calligraphy Federation 10th Dan, Vice President
Born in the US. Navigator of the Dogi-version of the documentary commemorating the 150th anniversary of the Battle of Aizu in the Boshin war. Letterer for the documentary poster.
William performed calligraphy at the Bushido Tourism video of the Sports Agency. He has numerous media appearances. Hogyokukai Yamanashi Branch manager. He introduces the beauty of Japanese culture both inside and outside of Japan. As an evangelist of Japanese culture, he received the Scottish Samurai Great Shogun Award.
Hogyoku Takeda
Mugaishinden Mugairyu Iai Hyodo, Instructor 7th Dan Licence, Instructor Hogyokukai President
In 2020 received the Scottish Samurai Great Taisho Award from the Order of the Scottish Samurai (OSS), an organization officially recognized by the British government. He has appeared in many commercials and videos in Japan and abroad, including a starring role in the "Tokyo Olympics Special for the U.S." on NBC, one of the three major networks in the U.S. Supervisor of Iai for Toei Video's "Stage Metropolitan Police Department Battou Division." Instructor at the Tokyo American Club, Japan's premier social club.
Ogyoku Yasumura
Renshi 6th Dan, Director of International Iaido Federation Hogyokukai
Chief of Kanto Block, Chairman of Technical Guidance Committee
Won the 4th and 5th All Japan Iaido Kata Championships held at Butokuden, Kyoto. In 2020, the only one from iai to be selected for the monthly Hiden "Women's Martial Artist Directory." In 2021, Ogyoku became the first person to achieve the Grand Slam by winning the three All-Japan kata/jiyu kumitachi/tameshigiri competitions.
WAGAKKI
Seizan Matsuzaki
shakuhachi
Kana Shinpuku
koto
Chiseyo Higuchi
koto and shamisen
DANCE
Genkuro Hanayagi
Japanese dance
Mikifuu Hanayagi
Japanese dance
Kenichi Tajima
shakuhachi
Manami Ishida
17-strings koto
Chizuru Fukuhara
percussions
Yumika Ehara
koto, 17-strings koto
Wagakki Ensemble AIOI
Top-level Japanese traditional musicians, the Tokyo National University of Fine Arts and Music graduates, have created an ensemble called Aioi (Growing Together). This exceptional group mixes various genres and even traditional styles, giving birth to unique and fascinating sound. They have received high acclaim not only in Japan but also in France, Germany, and other foreign countries. During the COVID-19 pandemic, they performed for a series of music videos – wagakki covers of International Top Hits for foreign and Japanese fans.
While deeply authentic, AIOI performances are known to be highly enjoyable and easy to understand, even for audiences unfamiliar with traditional Japanese music. For Zakuro Show Global VOL2. Spiritual Fusion, the ensemble will perform "Soran Scherzo," a jazz-inspired arrangement of "Soran Bushi," one of the popular songs in the regular performances of "ZAKURO SHOW." They have also created exclusive newly arranged pieces to introduce the audience to the finest Japanese traditional music!
[Artistic Director] Israeliyan Karen
[Producer] Gubina Julia
[Special cooperation] Shirakawa Gakukan
Supported by Agency for Cultural Affaires
『Arts for the Future! 2』