PULLMAN, Wash. — Washington State University will present “Tunes of Silk and Bamboo – An Evening With Japanese Traditional Music” at 6 p.m., Nov. 14, in the Compton Union Building Auditorium.
The free event includes a lecture on the history and background of traditional Japanese music (Hougaku music), developed in connection with three types of instruments: the koto, sangen and shakuhachi. Traditional and modern compositions will be played.
Highlighted performers include Shiho Kurauchi, koto, co-leader of Silk String, a Japanese music group based in Seattle; Chigusa Kitai, koto, co-leader of Silk String; and Yutaka Miyawaki, shakuhachi, consul at the Consulate-General of Japan in Seattle.
The koto (Japanese harp) originated in China and was played primarily by blind people or monks, as was nearly all pre-modern Japanese music. The sangen also came from China but developed independently from its original style as it spread throughout Japan. The shakuhachi (Japanese bamboo flute) dates back nearly 700 years, during the time Zen Buddhism became popular. It is believed to be one of the most difficult instruments to master.
Sponsors of the event are WSU International Programs, WSU Asia Program, WSU Japan Club and the Consulate-General of Japan at Seattle.
For more information, contact the WSU Japan Club at japan_club@hotmail.com.
