2023-24 SEASON

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On August 12, 2020 we were thrilled to present our Summer Song From Japan virtual concert in collaboration with the Consulate General of Japan in New York, featuring performances and interviews with Japanese violinist Moné Hattori, winner of five international competitions and one of the finest violinists of her generation, and Zac Zinger, an award-winning composer, arranger, and orchestrator, with years of experience across a wide variety of instruments and mediums, who will perform on the shakuhachi (traditional Japanese bamboo flute).


Our annual concert at the Residence of the Consul General of Japan is a longstanding and beloved tradition of the Salon, spanning over twenty years, dedicated to showcasing gifted Japanese musicians and the musical culture of Japan and promoting cross-cultural dialogue through music. This year's concert was originally scheduled for mid-March, and we were all eagerly looking forward to it, but sadly the pandemic intervened. Today we are delighted that we are able to continue our long tradition by presenting this concert to you virtually.


The concert featured a thrilling program for violin and piano by Moné Hattori and acclaimed pianists Akira Eguchi and Akiko Mimata. Including works by Szymanowski, Kreisler, and Waxman, Moné’s selection of pieces for this program exemplifies the astonishing spectrum of musical literature that she is uniquely able to interpret and elevate. Read more about Moné Hattori’s achievements HERE and her acclaimed pianists HERE.


We were also delighted to present an exciting performance recorded for the Salon by Zac Zinger, shakuhachi, and Shu Odamura, bass guitar. The recording features a broad array of traditional and popular Japanese songs, as well as two original compositions by Zac, each with a jazz twist, blending musical genres and cultures with innovation and flair. You can learn more about Zac Zinger HERE and Shu Odamura HERE.


We are immensely grateful to these artists for sharing with us their music and inspiration, especially during these still-challenging times, and to the Consulate General of Japan for co-sponsoring this musical event.

As a special bonus for our members, we are including recent interviews with the artists from their homes in New York and Tokyo where they share insights about their lives, musical inspiration, hobbies, and how they are adapting to life during this period.


Our deepest thanks to His Excellency Ambassador Kanji Yamanouchi, Consul General of Japan in New York, for his generous support of this event and his very kind introductory remarks. The Ambassador is himself a devoted music lover and talented musician. Please enjoy his musical tribute to U.S. - Japan relations HERE.

We look forward to continuing our tradition of collaboration with the Japanese Consulate for many years to come.


Before we begin the musical program, we would like to share a few words of greeting below from Ambassador Kanji Yamanouchi and the Salon de Virtuosi.

THE PROGRAM

Summer Song from Japan

Moné Hattori, Violin

Szymanowski – Nocturne & Tarantella, Op.28 (Akira Eguchi, piano)

Kreisler – Caprice Viennois (Akira Eguchi, piano)

Waxman – Carmen Fantasie (Akiko Mimata, piano)

Zac Zinger, Shakuhachi

Shu Odamura, Bass Guitar


Ashita Ga Arusa

Sanma Samba (original composition)

Ame Furi Otsuki-san

Furusato

Nagasaki Burabura Bushi

Ue Wo Muite Aruko

Fulfillment (original composition)

Lora Tchekoratova Interviews Moné Hattori

Lora Tchekoratova Interviews Zac Zinger

To enhance your experience of Japanese culture, we invite you on a "virtual tour" of Japan. Learn more about Japanese culture, travel, society, history, and nature HERE and HERE. Discover delicious Japanese recipes HERE and HERE. Explore the history of the shakuhachi HERE. Experience a traditional Japanese summer festival HERE, learn more about the Japanese tea ceremony HERE and delve into the Japanese art of Kabuki HERE.


(Please note that any non-governmental websites introduced above were selected by Salon de Virtuosi and not the Consulate General of Japan in New York.)


The Salon de Virtuosi's programs are made possible in part by the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of Governor Andrew M. Cuomo and the New York State Legislature and by public funds from the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs in partnership with the City Council, and by a generous grant from the Alphadyne Foundation. This online concert is brought to you in collaboration with the Consulate General of Japan in New York and the Violin Channel.


Many thanks to our members, supporters, and benefactors for making it possible for us to complete our season!