Blog Posts

Jiten

Date Composed: 2018 Composer: Aki Takahashi Premiere Performance: Saturday, November 24, 2018 This composition is based on the story of Yamagami Soju (1973-1957), one of the most respected tea ceremony masters of this generation. As a young man, however, he once came across merchandise that was still very exotic in Japan...

Kagero

Date Composed: 2018 Composer: Aki Takahashi Premiere Performance: Saturday, November 24, 2018 This composition is based on the story “Betrayal” by author and storyteller Rui Umezawa.  Dance and choreography by Noriko Kusama. ...

Tentetsu no Kase

Date Composed:2004Composer:Kiyoshi NagataArrangement:Kiyoshi NagataPremiere Performance:October 16, 2004 - Hart House TheatreRecording Title:Kiro CD Tentetsu refers to the switching of a rail car to another track, while kase are the shackles, which joins the cars together. As the title suggests this piece is constantly changing directions and...

Mochizuki

Date Composed:2017Composer:Aki TakahashiPremiere Performance:November 17, 2017 The festivities begin with the making of white and round mochi cakes, symbols of the full moon, that are pounded from steamed rice with large wooden hammers. During this time, people dance joyfully and sing comical lyrics to express happiness...

Ishizue

Date Composed:2017Composer:Aki TakahashiPremiere Performance:November 18, 2017 Excitement fills the air as shamisen and chappa play in preparation for the full moon celebration. ...

Subaru

Date Composed:2017Composer:Aki TakahashiPremiere Performance:November 18, 2017 The Japanese constellation Subaru are the six brightest stars in the night sky, represented by six drummers.  The dextrous movements mimic their brilliant glimmer. ...

Oboro

Date Composed:2017Composer:Aki TakahashiPremiere Performance:November 18, 2017 On an ominous night, dark clouds are silhouetted against the fading light of the moon. ...

Nagi

Date Composed:2017Composer:Aki TakahashiPremiere Performance:November 18, 2017 Nagi is the gentle and decaying winds that follow a wind swirl – a period of tranquility and calmness.  The droning chant is a part of the process of seeking such focus.  The pulsing of the voices together produces the...

Kogarashi

Date Composed:2017Composer:Aki TakahashiArrangement:Solo taiko performance by Kayo Homma-KomoriPremiere Performance:November 18, 2017 Kogarashi are swirling winds that can get as strong as a hurricane, represented in a solo performance by Kayo Homma-Komori. Her strength and poise gracefully mingle with the moving taiko to create the effect of...