Japanese Strings: Past, Present, and Beyond
2021/2/18
On Wednesday, February 17, the Consulate General of Japan in San Francisco held an online music program featuring local musicians and Japanese stringed instruments. Ms. Shirley Kazuyo Muramoto on Koto (Japanese zither) and Mr. Kyle Abbott on Shamisen (Japanese lute) individually performed pieces spanning classic and contemporary Japanese, and Western genres of music, explaining the history of their instruments and what attracted them to their respective styles. About 230 audience members viewed the program and had the opportunity to ask questions, discovering how to get started on the shamisen and koto.
At the beginning of the program, Consul General Maeda, along with Oakland Mayor Libby Schaaf and San Francisco Supervisor Catherine Stefani welcomed the audience and spoke on how artists like these contribute to the greater cultural framework of Northern California.
At the beginning of the program, Consul General Maeda, along with Oakland Mayor Libby Schaaf and San Francisco Supervisor Catherine Stefani welcomed the audience and spoke on how artists like these contribute to the greater cultural framework of Northern California.
More information on the artists
Shirley Muramoto plays the koto with her son Brian
Kyle Abbott plays the shamisen
Oakland Mayor Schaaf gives remarks
SF Supervisor Stefani gives remarks
Consul General Maeda welcomes the audience