August 30, 2006
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"Hogaku: Japanese Traditional Music Today" in Kathmandu
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To celebrate the Golden Jubilee of the Establishment of Diplomatic Relations between Japan and Nepal, the Embassy of Japan is organizing the music concert "Hogaku: Japanese Traditional Music Today" on Sunday, September 3, 2006 at 17:00 hrs. sharp at Soaltee Crowne Plaza, Tahachal.
Entry passes to the concert are available free of cost at the Embassy of Japan, Panipokhari (09:30~13:00 and 14:30~17:00 hrs. on weekdays) as first come first serve basis till the stock lasts.
For the purpose of the concert three (3) artists have been arrived in Nepal through the Japan Foundation. The following is the brief explanation of the music instruments being played at the concert.
Koto is an essential part of music played during New Year celebrations. The six-foot (1.8 m) long instrument usually has 13 strings, but 17, 21, 25, and 30-string examples are sometimes seen. The tightly stretched strings, which are balanced on separate bridges set in place on the body of the instrument, are plucked using picks on three fingers. It will be played by Ms. Ai Kajigano.
Shakuhachi is played by Mr. Hiromu Motonaga. The instrument is becoming well known for the strong exhalation which accompanies its characteristic sound. It is now a popular instrument around the world, but it was originally a tool used in a monk's training in a certain Buddhist sect. It is a thick bamboo flute with a standard length of about 55 cm. There are only 5 finger holes, but it is possible to produce almost any musical scale through the angle of the mouth.
Shō is used in Japanese court music. It is one of the oldest musical instruments in Japan dating back more than 1000 years. Sh? is made up of a group of 17 slender bamboo pipes with reeds gathered together in one bundle. It makes a sound like an organ, it always plays chords. It will be played by Mr. Naoyuki Manabe.
During the concert, Mr. Shyam Sharan Nepali, a renowned Sarangi player, Mr. Babu Raja Maharjan, Tabala player and Mr. Raman Maharjan, Bansuri player will perform music together with the Japanese artists including improvised songs by both musicians. Mr. Nepali has held his overseas performances in Japan, Hong Kong, Italy, France, Qatar, India and Bangladesh.
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