Cultural Exchange:
Harmony of Cultural Sounds
in collaboration with musicians and composers from Japan and the UK
Harmony of Cultural Sounds Project was founded in 2012, with a series of events taking place in UK and Japan.
The project consists of concerts and workshops involving musicians, composers and audience from both countries, to explore the diverse repertoire of chamber music written by British and Japanese
composers. By looking at different ways to communicate through music, the project aims to build a cultural bridge between UK and Japan, and foster deeper understanding of music through practical
activities.
A particular focus is cast upon the development of exchanges between musicians, composers and audiences. This triangular connection is vital in nurturing musical works that are written today, as well as reviving the neglected, yet significant works from the past.
In 2012, the project started off with concert tours in UK and Japan with the Toki Quartet.
An ensemble consisting of two Japanese and two UK artists, the Quartet gave series of concerts and workshops, exploring Quartets by British and Japanese composers. Working with composers Nicola LeFanu and Yuka Takechi, the workshops were hosted at the Royal Academy of Music, and at Tokyo University of Arts, involving the university students.
The project has been generously supported by the Musicians Benevolent Fund, the Daiwa Anglo-Japanese Foundation, Holst Foundation and the Britten-Pears Foundation.
2014 Midori Komachi
Events in 2012:
UK
25th June:
Workshop with Nicola LeFanu at Royal Academy of Music
Evening concert at Burgh House, Hampstead
Programme: LeFanu: String Quartet No.3
Takemitsu: A Way A Lone
Britten: String Quartet No.2
27th July:
Concert for “Music in Quiet Places” at St Mary’s & St Peter’s, Harlaxton
Takemitsu: A Way A Lone
Elgar: String Quartet in E minor
Tour to Japan, 25th October – 7th November
30th October:
Elgar: Introduction & Allegro
with Tokyo University of Arts String Orchestra, directed by Professor Kazuki Sawa
1st November:
Workshop at Tokyo University of Arts with Professor Yuka Takechi
Britten: String Quartet No.2
Takemitsu: A Way A Lone
2nd November:
Concert at England House Yokohama
Bridge: 3 Idylls
LeFanu: String Quartet No.3
Elgar: String Quartet in E minor
5th November:
Concert at Lutheran Ichigaya
Takemitsu: A Way A Lone
Britten: String Quartet in E minor
Elgar: String Quartet in E minor
