On Ensemble infuses the powerful breath of Japanese Taiko with electronica, melody, and Central Asian overtone singing

On Ensemble with Kaoru Watanabe & Sumie Kaneko

Aratani Theatre at the campus of the Japanese American Cultural and Community Center, 244 South San Pedro Street, Los Angeles, CA 90012

Saturday, Feb 7, 2015, 7:00 p.m.

www.festivalofsacredmusic.org

Reserved: $25/$35; group discounts call (213) 680 3700

Free: Pre-performance events at the JACCC plaza 6:00 -7:00 p.m.

Conversation with musician and arts educator Johnny Mori. Food trucks & live Dj.

On Ensemblewill share a program with musicians Kaoru Watanabe and Sumie Kaneko as part of the inaugural Aratani World Series of global music and dance. 

On Ensemble has forged a new path for taiko by combining their study and deep appreciation of Japanese traditional music.

On Ensemble is supported by one of Japan's most important traditional-culture bearers, Miyamoto Unosuke Shoten, instrument maker for the emperor of Japan.

Shoten's support empowers On Ensemble to utilize authentic, rare Japanese instruments in their fearless exploration of taiko.

In 2013 On Ensemble was the first American taiko group to be invited to perform at the National Theater of Japan for the prestigious Nihon no Taiko concert series.

Kaoru Watanabe, North America's most accomplished shinobue (bamboo flute) virtuoso, masterfully incorporates Jazz melodies and improvisation with Japanese folk and classical traditions. Watanabe is Artistic Director of Earth Celebration, Kodo's annual world music festival on Sado Island.

Singer/songwriter Sumie Kaneko blends her koto and shamisen training from Tokyo National University of Fine Arts with a background in Jazz vocal performance from Berklee College of Music (Boston, MA).

The Aratani World Series presents seven different programs over the course of six months. Curated and Produced by Judy Mitoma,Director of the World Festival of Sacred Music-Los Angeles, the series is a co-presentation with the Japanese American Cultural and Community Center and the World Festival of Sacred Music-Los Angeles.