SoundsTruck NW: The Japanese-French Connection
$40-$65; discounts available for Garden members & students
- Amelia Lukas, flute
- Yoko Greeney, piano
- Stephen Kehner, percussion
- Andy Akiho, percussion
Toru Takemitsu — Toward the Sea
Nadia Boulanger — Vers la vie nouvelle
Olivier Messiaen — Le Merle Noir ("The Blackbird")
Andy Akiho — Murasaki (from Synesthesia Suite)
Makoto Shinohara — Kassouga
Claude Debussy — Syrinx, L. 129 (bass flute)
Hitomi Kaneko — Un jour avec pour piano
Andy Akiho — Karakurenai (for flute, piano, marimba, & steel pan)
In 1963, Portland Japanese Garden was founded to not only provide its city a place of great beauty and serenity, but to establish a nexus through which people from different backgrounds could meet and learn about each other, with the belief that this could lead to long-lasting peace. Now celebrating its 60th anniversary, the Garden is excited to partner with SoundsTruck NW to provide this novel programming that showcases the incredible art that can arise from cultural exchange.
The Japanese-French Connection builds off the inspiration musicians from both nations have provided each other. The International Exposition held in Paris in 1867 featured a major Japanese traditional art movement that captivated French culture makers and launched an interchange of creativity and outlook that ultimately blossomed into one of modern history's strongest cross-cultural bridges. French composers developed a passion for Japanese aesthetics and design, and Japanese composers likewise became very interested in French tonality and musical approaches. Taking place at a time when the verdant landscape of Portland Japanese Garden basks in the golden hue of approaching sunset, attendees will have the opportunity to enjoy the rich overlap of influence through the alluring combination of flutes, piano, and percussion, and hear a unique arrangement from GRAMMY-nominated composer Andy Akiho.
Powell Flutes Artist Amelia Lukas performs with "a fine balance of virtuosity and poetry." (The New York Times) She weaves together globally informed stylistic elements with an impressive range of extended techniques, and "excels at bringing drama and fire." (Oregon ArtsWatch) Collaborative pianist and chamber music visionary, Yoko Greeney is "one of the most significant members in Portland’s classical music scene," (Oregon ArtsWatch) contributing through a multifaceted career of directing, performing, and teaching. An explorative and expressive chamber musician, Stephen Kehner has played contemporary and cross-genre music with the Silk Road Ensemble, Callithumpian Consort, Nu Deco Ensemble, and Sö Percussion, and is Assistant Principal Percussion with the Oregon Symphony. Andy Akiho is a "trailblazing" (Los Angeles Times) Pulitzer Prize finalist whose bold works unravel intricate and unexpected patterns while surpassing preconceived boundaries of classical music.
This performance is presented in partnership with the Japan Institute of Portland Japanese Garden. Food is provided by Bamboo Sushi and St. Honore Bakery, with wine by Torii Mor and beer by Sapporo Beer, as well as an assortment of non-alcoholic beverages.
About SoundsTruck NW
During the pandemic, SoundsTruck NW Founder and Director Yoko Greeney reimagined the concert experience for maximum flexibility, resiliency, and access. The result is a movable venue that allows for invigorating and connective performances while social distancing outdoors. The beautiful and durable stage trailer and truck combination situates in any drivable location. With its high level of innovation, SoundsTruck NW expands the arena for both audiences and culturemakers throughout the Pacific Northwest.
SoundsTruck NW supports the health, wellbeing, and vibrancy of communities by bringing live ensemble music and family-oriented programming into neighborhoods, nature, and institutions. Utilizing its unique mobile stage, SoundsTruck NW increases access and connection to the arts with priority given to underserved areas.
https://www.soundstrucknw.org/About Amelia Lukas, flute
About Stephen Kehner, percussion
https://www.orsymphony.org/discover/orchestra/percussion/stephen-kehner/
About Andy Akiho, percussion
Andy Akiho is a composer and performer of new music, described as "trailblazing" (LA Times) and "an imaginative composer" (The New York Times).
Akiho has been recognized with many prestigious awards and organizations including the Rome Prize, Lili Boulanger Memorial Prize, Harvard University Fromm Commission, Barlow Endowment, New Music USA, and Chamber Music America. Additionally, his compositions have been featured on PBS's News Hour with Jim Lehrer and by organizations such as Bang on a Can, American Composers Forum, The Intimacy of Creativity in Hong Kong, and the Heidelberg Festival.
https://www.andyakiho.com/