Japanese Drum and Flute Concert at the Italian Cultural Institute on 6~7 September, 2013

Excellencies,
Distinguished Guests,
Ladies and Gentlemen,

          Good evening.  Endemen ameshachehu.

          It is a great pleasure for me to welcome you all to this special Japanese drum and flute concert here at the Italian Cultural Institute.  This program is the third event of the Japanese Cultural Series in Ethiopia for the JFY2013, following the very successful Design Exhibition and Origata workshop held in May.  Indeed, this is the second Japanese drum concert to be held in Addis Ababa during the past two years since we received Leonard Eto and his group in October 2011.

This concert has become possible thanks to several organizations.  First of all, I am honored to welcome the Japanese Music Project to Ethiopia for the first time, and I am delighted that they chose Addis Ababa as their first destination for their East Africa Tour!  Secondly, I am most grateful to the Agency for Cultural Affairs in Tokyo for sponsoring this overseas tour.  Without its financial support, this concert would not have materialized.  Thirdly, my appreciation also goes to the Italian Cultural Institute for offering its cozy hall for the drum and flute performances.

Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen,

The Japanese Music Project is a dynamic drum and flute group, which was organized for this East Africa Tour.  It is composed of ten renowned musicians.  YAS-KAZ is a well-known Japanese percussionist and composer, having issued 22 albums since 1984.  Latyr Sy is a Japan-based Senegalese percussionist since 1995, who has been hosting African percussion workshops in-country.  KOTO is a Japanese bamboo flute player, and Makoto OHNO is a traditional Noh flute player.  Last but not least, we are also delighted to welcome the “Taiko Company Himiko,” which is one of the leading female Japanese drum groups.  Himiko is known for creating an exceptional atmosphere by adding feminine grace and glamour to the strong and dynamic sound of Japanese drums.  In addition to these ten musicians, nine stage staff are participating in the team this time so as to make this concert a special one.  This is the largest musical delegation that our Embassy has received to date.

Tonight’s performance will be a unique blend of traditional and modern styles of Japanese drums and flutes with an African touch, and like all of you, I cannot wait to see it!  Through their enchanting musical performance, we will hear and feel the energetic rhythm and melody of Japan.  When you feel the rhythm, please do not hesitate to clap your hands and dance together with their beat!

Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen,

          Tomorrow, we will have another performance at the more family-friendly time of 4 p.m. here in this hall.  Please tell your family and friends so that they can join us tomorrow.

          As they say, ‘seeing is believing,’ and in our case, hearing as well.  So, without further ado, let’s welcome the fabulous group, the Japanese Music Project, and experience the powerful and elegant art of Japanese drums and flutes!

          Thank you for your attention.  Amesegenalehu!