Saturday, October 6, 7:30 p.m.
Goddard Auditorium, Carpenter Hall

An innovative musician, Yumi Kurosawa began studying the Koto at the age of three with her parents in Morioka and later under the renowned koto player Nanae Yoshimura. In 2002, Yumi moved to New York to collaborate with various genres of musicians and artists. She has appeared at Apollo Sound Stage, Joe’s Pub, and Carnegie Hall. Her first CD Beginning of a Journey features her own compositions.

Kurosawa has appeared as the soloist for the world premiere of “Koto Concerto: Genji,” by composer Daron Hagen in the quintet version with the Lark Quartet in New York and the orchestral version with the Orchestra of the Swan in Stratford-Upon-Avon, U.K. She currently has been playing her own compositions that include computer sounds along with traditional and contemporary pieces by other composers.

Performing on the second half of the concert is Deep Singh, tabla player. Co-sponsored by the Earlham Japan Study Program.

BIO

Yumi Kurosawa, Koto, Composer, Computer Sound was born and raised in Japan, where she began study of the Koto at the age of  three. Kurosawa has received numerous awards including: first prize at National Competition for students twice and a scholarship from The Agency for Cultural Affairs of Japan. She has performed in the Prague Cello Ensemble Concert at Suntory Hall, Tokyo and the NHK Broadcast TV program, Genjimonogatari-WAKANA.

She has performed in notable concerts including: the Weill Recital Hall at Carnegie, where she premiered the  Koto Concerto Genji (composed by Daron Hagen) and as a soloist with the Orchestra of the Swan in United Kingdom. Kurosawa performs with a variety genre of venues includingL the Apollo sound stage, Joe’s pub and Highline ballroom. She is also a member of Bella Gaia ensemble.

Her first original CD released in 2009, Beginning of a Journey, features her own compositions. Kurosawa studied computer music at the computer music lab at the Keio University, creating composition with computer sound on the Koto. She has received rave reviews in such publications as the: The New York Times and The Washington Post. www.yumikuro.com

Deep Singh has been steeped in music since a very young age. Singh grew up learning harmonium and vocal from his father and as a young child became one of the leading disciples of the Late Ustad Allah Rakha Khan of the Punjab Gharana, making Singh one of the senior-most guru-brothers of Ustad Zakir Hussain. Singh’s versatility as a performer, composer and producer gives him a unique place in the music industry.

Singh’s extensive knowledge of melody and rhythm from many different world music traditions has resulted in some very innovative collaborations. As a Tabliya, Singh is one of the most sought-after performers both as a soloist and accompanist. He has shared the stage with many of the greatest musicians from eastern and western traditions.

Tickets required: $8/adults, $5/students/seniors. To order tickets call the box office, 765.983.1474. For more information visit http://www.earlham.edu/events.