The Heir of Traditional Noh Music over 400 years is coming to mesmerize the audiences in Malaysia with his own improvisation of traditional / contemporary music
The Japan Foundation proudly presents: Sok-Ryu-Teki-Ha 速流笛破―Traditional/Contemporary Music Performance by ISSO Group. Yukihiro ISSO was born in 1964 into a family of professional Noh flute players. With a tradition in Noh music dating back 400 years, he became the 15th generation of his family to carry the banner, and has been working as a Noh flute musician since age of 9. In addition to his principal profession, he has been expanding his music world with Noh music pieces, his own works with improvisation and also classical music with his own fresh interpretation.
In his music world, both classic and contemporary music simultaneously coexist and there is absolutely no need for any translation. Therefore his music is certainly unlike ordinary ones simply grafting contemporary music onto classic pieces. His musical expression is modernistic and has great capability to break any barriers of genres.
The tour will be accompanied by another two leading musicians from Japan: Hiroshi Yoshino (Contrabass), and Junichi Takagi (Guitar), which the group will be performing in Malaysia for the first time.
速流笛破 Sok-Ryu-Teki-Ha Traditional / Contemporary Music Performance by ISSO Group
Presented by: The Japan Foundation
Co-organized by: The Consulate General of Japan, Penang & Penang Performing Arts Center
In Cooperation with: Annex Gallery, USM, SMK Bukit Jambul, Embassy of Japan, Malaysia
In Conjunction with: The 30th Anniversary of Look-East Policy
| Kuala Lumpur Date & Time: 27th (Saturday- 8:30pm) & 28th (Sunday-3:00pm) October 2012. Venue: Annexe Gallery Tickets: Adult (RM20), Children, Students, JFKL Member (RM10) * For ticket reservation please call JFKL (03-2284 6228), walk-in or email JFKL (jpcc@jfkl.org.my) * Payment can be made on the day of the performance at JFKL counterPenang Date & Time: 25th (Thursday- 8:30pm) October 2012. Venue: Performing Arts Center of Penang (penangpac) Tickets: Adult (RM23), Student, Disabled, TAS/ Senior Privilege Card, JFKL Member (RM13) * Tickets can be purchase from iLasso or call penangpac at 04-8991722 / 2722Workshop and lecture for students 9:00-11.30, 24th October 2012 at SMK Bukit Jambul (Secondary School) 14:30-16:30, 24th October 2012 at USM School of the Arts *USM Workshop will be open to public. Please contact (USM School of the Arts) 604 ? 653 3888 ext: 3621 / 3415 for more details. |
ARTISTS PROFILE:
| Yukihiro ISSO (Noh-kan, Japanese Noh flute |
Born in Tokyo in 1964, Yukihiro ISSO was born into a family of professional Noh flute players. With a tradition in Noh music dating back 400 years, he became the 15th generation of his family to carry the banner. Studying under his father, Yukimasa Isso, he made his stage debut at the age of nine with “Kuramatengu” and he has been working as a Noh flute musician since. In addition to his principal profession, since 1991 he has been presiding over his series of independent concerts “Ohiyari” with a repertoire ranging from Noh music pieces, his own works and also classical music with his own fresh interpretation. As an improvisational artist, he has performed with domestic and overseas musicians and artists in various categories, such as Yosuke Yamashita (piano), Cecil Taylor (piano), Peter Brotzmann (sax), Bill Laswell (bass), Min Tanaka (butoh dancer) and so on. He also often works with classical musicians. In February 2006, he performed in the concert, Flute: Visionary Journey, at Tokyo Opera City Concert Hall, with the Tokyo Philharmonic Orchestra (conducted by Seikyo Kim) and played his own composition “Flute Fantasia” (arranged by Takehiko Yamada) and “J.S.Bach’s Suite (Suite Nr.2 h-moll BWV1067)”. As recognition for his various challenging activities, he was awarded “Award for creative tradition” by Japan Arts Foundation (2010). Among his own works are “Tokyo Darumagaeru” (1990) “Vire Tiere” (1993) “Leeyari” (2001) “Fufufu” (2005)” Kakari Rangen” (2005) “Yoshinobori” (2007) and “Sakusyaku” (2011). |
| Hiroshi Yoshino (Contrabass) | Born in 1955. Began his professional career while still studying at the Tokyo University of the Arts, participating in jazz groups led by Shoji Aketagawa, Akira Sakata, Kako Takashi, Masahiko Togashi, Yosuke Yamashita, and Satoru Shionoya. At the same time he’s been involved in the contemporary music scene, such as “Music Today” and “Yatsugatake Kogen Music Festival” which were produced by the late Toru Takemitsu, as well as Michio Mamiya’s opera, “Popoi”. His main activity nowadays is with “Bass Solo and Higan No Shigan” and “Hiroshi Yoshino Mongoloiders Neo” as he explores the possibilities of the contrabass which he views as being a folk instrument. In addition, he’s a regular bassist for such groups as ISSO Yukihiro’s Leeyari, provides vocal support for Taeko Onuki as well as characteristically composed, profound performances during reading sessions by the writers Amy Yamada and Hikaru Okuizumi. |
| Junichi Takagi (Guitar) |
Active professionally in the live music scene and at clubs since 17. Moved to America in 1986, and whilst studying under the renown pianist Barry Harris he participated in numerous sessions with Ron Carter, Mal Waldron, etc. Returning to Japan, he studied flamenco guitar under Koji Sakanaka, and at the same time formed MASARA with Keisuke Ohta (violin) and Masaki Yoshimi (tabla) which incorporates the essence of jazz, classic, and global ethnic music, and is currently performing at live houses and events mainly in Tokyo and other parts of Japan. He often performs with Isso Yukihiro as well. Among his works are MASARA SCOPE. |
For the KL show, there will be a special appearance opening act of “Melodius Opernadi world music ensemble” as inaugural Malaysian chapter.
Satria Utama (guitar, “gendang” percussion, synthesizer) Cristjen Lai (vocals) Ashly Nandong (“Sapeh” Borneo lute)
Melodius Operandi world music fusion ensemble composes of musicians from multicultural backgrounds and mixed musical influences from Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Formed in 2007, the ensemble has over the years drawn together elements of many indigenous sounds from the Island of Borneo, Malaysia, Indonesia, India, Africa and Australia fused with contemporary instruments, simulated ambient sounds and urban beats. Melodius Operandi celebrates a jamboree of cultures, interweaving a musical alchemy of a four-part harmony of Unity, Love, Peace and Respect in diversity; continually striving to embody the essence ‘music as a universal language’ that transcends cultural backgrounds and sound-scape.
For further enquiries, please contact The Japan Foundation, Kuala Lumpur at 03-22846228
