Event

“Introduction to Living Composition: A New Approach to Asian Music, Culture and Spirituality” with Koji Nakano
Room 266, Everson Hall

Over the last several years I have composed cross-cultural works for Western and traditional Asian instruments, collaborating with various musicians, dancers and filmmakers in Asia, USA and Europe. The idea of ‘living composition’ is to explore solutions to problems of cross-cultural esthetics and musical elements, as well as to redefine the role of the modern composer in the multicultural society of the twenty-first century. As a Japanese composer, I am particularly interested in incorporating various musical practices to create my own compositional techniques and languages. In this paper, I examine the incorporation of Asian vocal and instrumental techniques into Western musical languages, using my own compositions as a guide. I also discuss how hybrid musical elements are comprised in my works with careful attention paid to my own heritage. In closing, I will discuss how ‘living composition’ promotes both a wider appreciation and awareness of today’s dynamic contemporary music—one that is enriched by Asian musical cultures and philosophy.

Award-winning Japanese composer Koji Nakano’s music reflects the relationship between beauty, form and imperfection through the formality of music. In 2008 he became the first composer to receive the S&R Washington Award Grand Prize. Since then, Nakano has been recognized as one of the major voices among Asian composers of his generation.  

As the co-director of the Asian Young Musicians’ Connection, he promotes new music by commissioning compositions from emerging Asian composers alongside worldwide professional musicians for its annual concert and lecture.

Free (a Valente Lecture)

Everson Hall, Davis, CA

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