Enchanted Sky: a night of Japanese harmony

		The Japan Foundation presents
		Enchanted Sky: a night of Japanese harmony

Starring Susumu Aoyagi on piano, Takako Hagiwara on flute, Ayako Ishikawa on violin and Lisa Kataoka on koto.

Legend has it that star-crossed lovers Altair (cowherd star) and Vega (weaver star) have been separated by the Milky Way river under the rule of an angry king. They are allowed to meet only once a year on 7 July – the Japanese call this day tanabata.

A constellation of harmonies with a unique blend of Western and Japanese sounds, four renowned musicians will weave magical melodies from both classical and modern genres into your hearts, whilst sending their heartfelt wishes to the sky above.

Featuring a marvelling array of favourites including Liszt’s Hungarian Rhapsody No.2, Piazzolla’s Libertango, Massenet’s Meditation from Thais, compositions from Chopin, the score from Oscar-winning film Departures, Michio Miyagi’s Haru no Umi, Rentaro Taki's Urami and more.

Concert
Date	7 July 2009
Time	7:30pm Doors open 7:00pm
Venue	Verbrugghen Hall, Sydney Conservatorium of Music Cnr Bridge & Macquarie Streets, Sydney
Ticketing	$28 Adults/ $20 Concession & JPF Members Prices include GST. Booking fees may apply. Tickets on sale now from City Recital Hall 02 8256 2222 or www.cityrecitalhall.com Door sales available 1.5hr prior unless sold out.

Also see free Lecture Carrying the Beat

ARTIST’S BIO

	Susumu Aoyagi on piano A child maestro, Aoyagi made his first orchestral debut with the Fort Worth Symphony when he was only nine. At 23, he won the Sixth Prize at the prestigious Marguerite-Long-Jacques-Thibaud International Competition and shortly after began touring the world. Aoyagi has produced five solo CDs, all to which have been highly acclaimed.

	Takako Hagiwara on flute A graduate from the Tokyo University of the Arts, Hagiwara is an active international performer, regularly competing in numerous recital contests internationally. She has received exceptional praise from distinguished music specialists such as cellist Mstislav Rostropovich and clarinettist Peter Schmidl from the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra.

	Ayako Ishikawa on violin A First Class Honours graduate from the Sydney Conservatorium of Music, Ishikawa (L.Mus.A) has been performing internationally as a soloist, and appeared in many shows on television and radio broadcasts in various countries. Her exceptional achievements in winning countless awards were recognised by the Australian government, bestowing upon her a Distinguished Talented Permanent Visa as a result.

	Lisa Kataoka on koto An expert in the koto and shamisen, Kataoka has had the honour to play for Their Imperial Highness Prince and Princess Akishino in 2007. Her versatility extends to playing everything from koto classics to singing bel canto opera. She has appeared in numerous shows on television, radio and commercial broadcasts.

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