SHAMISEN MASTER PERFORMS IN MARQUETTE
Wednesday 31, 2010
MARQUETTE, Mich.—The Japanese shamisen master, Agatsuma, will perform at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, April 17, at Kaufman Auditorium as part of the Northern Michigan University International Performing Arts Series.
Hiromitsu Agatsuma is a world-renown tsugaru-shamisen player. He began studying this traditional Japanese folk instrument at the age of six. By 14, he had won first prize at the 1988 All-Japan Tsugaru Shamisen Competition. His first album, “Agatsuma,” was named Traditional Japanese Folk Album of the year at the 16th Annual Japanese Gold Disc awards. Shamisen music evolved from merry bands of musicians that traveled the countryside with their shamisen ready to play it in any environment for any audience. The first tsugaru-shamisen players developed one of Japan’s richest musical traditions by viewing each concert as a once-in-a-lifetime chance to meet new people and learn about new communities, sounds and music. The concert is sponsored by Arts Midwest World Fest, which connects people throughout the Midwest and the world to meaningful arts opportunities. In addition to Agatsuma’s performance at Kaufman, his group will be conducting workshops at schools throughout the week in Gwinn, Marquette and Negaunee. Tickets prices are as follows: $5 advance/$6 at the door for students; $13/$15 for NMU faculty/staff/seniors 60+; and $18/$20 for the general public. They can be purchased online at www.nmu.edu/tickets, by calling 227-1032 or from any NMU EZ Tickets outlet.
Hiromitsu Agatsuma is a world-renown tsugaru-shamisen player. He began studying this traditional Japanese folk instrument at the age of six. By 14, he had won first prize at the 1988 All-Japan Tsugaru Shamisen Competition. His first album, “Agatsuma,” was named Traditional Japanese Folk Album of the year at the 16th Annual Japanese Gold Disc awards. Shamisen music evolved from merry bands of musicians that traveled the countryside with their shamisen ready to play it in any environment for any audience. The first tsugaru-shamisen players developed one of Japan’s richest musical traditions by viewing each concert as a once-in-a-lifetime chance to meet new people and learn about new communities, sounds and music. The concert is sponsored by Arts Midwest World Fest, which connects people throughout the Midwest and the world to meaningful arts opportunities. In addition to Agatsuma’s performance at Kaufman, his group will be conducting workshops at schools throughout the week in Gwinn, Marquette and Negaunee. Tickets prices are as follows: $5 advance/$6 at the door for students; $13/$15 for NMU faculty/staff/seniors 60+; and $18/$20 for the general public. They can be purchased online at www.nmu.edu/tickets, by calling 227-1032 or from any NMU EZ Tickets outlet.