Last Sunday afternoon, July 29, the taiko drums roared out their welcome to the crowd gathered for the Asian Music Festival at Grace Cathedral presented by Christ Church Sei Ko Kai, San Francisco. The Suzuki group from St. James, San Francisco, was followed by a koto and shakuhachi (wooden flute) and a choral performance. The former organist of Christ Church Sei Ko Kai brought in her trio to play a jazz piece. This was followed by Italian arias, Western flute, Japanese folksongs, and concluded as the audience was invited to sing a Japanese blessing. Proceeds from the concert will benefit a sheltered workshop (damaged by the tsunami in Japan) for developmentally disabled adults and the Holy Trinity Music School in Haiti. Don’t miss next year's festival.
José Vargas and Bishop Marc, leading the entrance procession playing Tibetan singing bowls
Taiko ensemble Jiten Daiko
Koto and shakuhachi (wooden flute) played by Tamie Kooyenga and Karl Young
Keiko Kagawa singing Verdi aria with Choral Cosmo ensemble