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The Japanese, vertical end-blown bamboo flute, the shakuhachi, has become an icon of traditional Japanese music. The beautiful, mystic sound of the bamboo attracts world wide interest from those cultivating Japanese aesthetics to avant-garde composers. During the Edo period (1603 - 1867), the shakuhachi was used as a tool for meditation by Zen Buddhist priests in order to reach enlightenment, but it is now used in a wide variety of musical forms and styles. Whatever approach to the instrument one chooses to take, the aim of the Second Pan-European Shakuhachi Summer School in Colmar, France is to create an environment where many of the different schools and styles of shakuhachi playing can be explored and their differences celebrated. Shakuhachi teaching will take place primarily in groups, led by master performers of the various schools represented at the Summer School (school of Yokoyama Katsuya - the main focus for 2007; Kinko; and Tozan). There will also be lectures and workshops on topics such as breathing and body work for shakuhachi, composing for shakuhachi, history, and musicology of the shakuhachi. Shakuhachi students can choose among a number of styles to study including honkyoku (the traditional Zen Buddhist repertoire), traditional and modern sankyoku (ensemble music) accompanied by shamisen (3-string long-necked lute) and koto (zither), min’yô (folk songs ), and the shakuhachi in jazz and improvisation. This is an exciting opportunity to try something new. The Summer School is open to anyone who has an interest in shakuhachi including beginners. The programme consists of four days of intensive study and playing, evening performances, including a students’ concert, and talks on different aspects of shakuhachi. We are hoping that by creating a space for all shakuhachi players, as well as for koto and shamisen players, to get together, we can enhance an interest in these beautiful instruments, share experiences, widen an understanding of different styles of music and develop playing techniques . The shamisen (3 stringed lute) arrived in Japan via the Ryûkyû Islands during the 16th century. During the Edo period (1603-1867), the shamisen developed into an versatile instrument used in a range of different contexts from min'yô (folk song) to theatrical genres and as an accompaniment to songs in the traditional entertainment districts. The Summer School offers the opportunity for individual and group tuition for koto and shamisen, and will include sessions with shakuhachi. By inviting two Japanese master koto and shamisen teachers and accompanists, we are providing a rare opportunity for many people in Europe to experience playing in a sankyoku ensemble. The main languages at the Summer School will be French and English. Please let us know if you need any further language assistance. We would like to thank:
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