Chojuro Imafuji Naguta Shamisen Concert

Monday, September 19 at 7:30 p.m. (doors open at 7:00 p.m.)

Weill Recital Hall at Carnegie Hall – 154 W. 57th Street (between 6th and 7th Avenues)

Admission: $60 orchestra/$40 balcony

Experience Japanese traditional music at this concert by a fourth generation “Nagauta Shamisen” Grand Master, Chojuro Imafuji IV, and her co-performers on vocals, drums, and fue (Japanese flute). Nagauta is a “long song” accompanying Kabuki theater and is considered an original treasure of Japan.

Chojuro Imafuji IV, the third daughter of National Living Treasure Chojuro Imafuji III, made her debut at age four. She has taught the modern charms of Nagauta and shamisen to young students and spread her knowledge of the art form throughout Japan. She brings this classic Japanese traditional music to an audience in New York at this special performance at Carnegie Hall.

“This performance of Nagauta . . . aspires to communicate the unique beauty of the shamisen and contribute to musical advancement and cultural exchange,” says Chojuro Imafuji IV. “The Nagauta Shamisen combines elements of string and percussion instruments. The percussive element comes from the use of a plectrum (bachi), and the melody comes from fast yet subtle finger movements at the neck of the instrument, which is similar in length to the neck of a cello. The strings are made of silk and require constant tuning, even while playing, to prevent stretching and distortion of the sound, thus requiring very sophisticated technique and musicality . . . We are pleased and honored to have this opportunity to perform Nagauta in New York.”

To purchase tickets, please visit Carnegie Hall’s website or call Carnegie Charge at 212.247.7800.

http://www.japanculture-nyc.com/2016/09/08/chojuro-imafuji-naguta-shamisen-concert-at-carnegie-hall/