The Embassy of Japan (Wellington), in association with the Japan Foundation, is pleased to present the internationally acclaimed Yoshida Brothers, Ryoichiro and Kenichi, in a free concert at Soundings Theatre on Saturday 15 November at 3.30pm. Seats are limited; bookings are essential.
Trained in traditional Tsugaru-shamisen (noted for its percussive quality) since the age of five, the brothers have incorporated jazz, blues and new age rock elements in their music to Japanese and international acclaim. Lately their music has featured in the American Wii advertising campaign and on the promotional track for the movie, Memoirs of a Geisha.
The Yoshida Brothers will be accompanied by the percussionist, Ippiki Takemoto, for a mix of traditional and contemporary music that will delight all ages. Although the concert is free, tickets are essential for admission. Tickets will be available from 23 October by calling the Embassy of Japan on (04) 4958331 or emailing japan18@eoj.org.nz.
The shamisen is a three stringed instrument, resembling a banjo. It has a long thin neck, and a drum like rounded rectangular body, known as a dō, which amplifies the sound of the strings when plucked with a plectrum or bachi. The Tsugaru-shamisen is the largest of all shamisen with both a larger neck and thicker strings creating a much fuller sound.
Websites:
http://www.yoshida-brothers.jp (Japanese)
http://www.domo.com/yoshidabrothers/index.html (English)
The Yoshida Brothers
3.30pm – 5.15pm, Saturday 15 November
Soundings Theatre
Te Papa
Download a printable version (pdf, 72 kB)