Cultural Performance: Koto, Cello, and Storytelling by SamaZama

Enjoy a free koto and cello performance by SamaZama at 1:15pm at the Cathy Rudd Cultural Corner in the Jordan Schnitzer Japanese Arts Learning Center. SamaZama members will tell the beloved Japanese folk tale of Momotaro, the Peach Boy, a boy born from a peach who grows up to conquer some evil ogres. The Garden is excited to offer this family-family performance as part of it’s extended celebration of the festival, Kodomo no Hi, or Children’s Day. SamaZama Koto/Cello Duo is a collaboration of the Koto – a Japanese traditional musical instrument played by Masumi Timson and the cello played by Joseph Harchanko. “Samazama” is the Japanese word for variety. The SamaZama Duo combines the esoteric nature of traditional and contemporary Japanese music with tango, jazz, blues and western classical music, blending the instruments and music of Eastern and Western cultures in a moving and uncommon musical synthesis. Their music deftly unites these two widely divergent instruments through traditional and contemporary Koto works to create a vibrant musical soundscape that soothes and inspires. Included with garden admission.