Mieko Miyazaki performs in Alsace

Mieko Miyazaki, a traditional koto player, performed a concert on October 13 at the Vill’A d’Illkirch in Alsace, organized by the Consulate General of Japan in Strasbourg. The event aimed to promote Japanese music and culture in the region.

Koto music showcased at the concert

The event featured traditional and contemporary Japanese music played on the koto, a string instrument with a long wooden resonance box and 13 strings. Approximately 90 people attended the concert, which included performances of compositions such as the cricket song by Lebanese artist Khaled Mouzanar and the Goldberg Variations by Jean-Sébastien Bach, which Miyazaki transcribed for solo koto after 17 years of research.

Miyazaki’s background and achievements

Miyazaki, who began playing the koto at the age of nine, studied at the Tokyo University of the Arts and has performed in front of notable figures, including the younger brother of Emperor Naruhito of Japan, Fumihito d’Akishiro, and his wife, Princess Kiko. She also appeared on the French talent show The Voice in 2015, where she performed the traditional Japanese song Surayama, although none of the judges turned around.

Miyazaki’s move to France and koto specifics

Miyazaki moved to France in 2005, citing France's rich musical culture as a reason for her choice. She explained that the koto differs from other string instruments like the Chinese guzheng or Korean gayageum, as it is more percussive and requires movable white bridges for tuning. She also mentioned that kotozume, worn on the tips of her fingers, are used to manipulate the instrument.

Miyazaki’s artistic vision and collaborations

During the concert, Miyazaki discussed her experiences and the importance of sharing the koto with a wider audience. She has collaborated with various music groups, including the Yako Quartet and Corsican singers Voce Ventu, blending traditional Japanese music with other cultural traditions. She emphasized her passion for composition and her desire to highlight her own works rather than playing popular songs like "Titanic" by Celine Dion.

Miyazaki’s future projects and hopes

Miyazaki is currently working on a new project that includes koto, percussion, and cello. She expressed her hope that the audience would remember the special moment shared during the concert and enjoy the unique atmosphere created by her interpretations of classical compositions.