New York-based Duo YUMENO – Yoko Reikano Kimura on Japanese koto, Hikaru Tamaki on cello – returns to the Vanderkay Concert Series to present a cross-cultural program of traditional Japanese and contemporary world music. Along with classical pieces, the program will feature works by living composers, Daron Hagen, Marty Regan and Ken Ueno, to celebrate the beginning of autumn. Join us for an afternoon of music inspired by the fusion of East and West.

Tickets: $25 (general admission)

Duo YUMENO 夢乃

New York based koto / shamisen player and singer Yoko Reikano Kimura and cellist Hikaru Tamaki create a singular fusion sound, inspired by tradition but with a contemporary sensibility. Duo YUMENO’s repertoire includes a dynamic range of compositions – both traditional and contemporary – all of which explore the dialogue between classical Japanese and western music. The New York Classical Review praised, “the duo … played with precision and deep feeling.” In 2014, they were awarded the Chamber Music America Classical Commissioning Program grant, and in 2015, received the Aoyama Baroque Saal Award. They have been actively presenting their cross-cultural programs throughout the world and have performed at venues such as the John F. Kennedy Center, New England Conservatory, Princeton University, University of Cambridge, Kasuga Grand Shrine and Ryōan-ji Temple. The duo performed its 10th anniversary recital to a sold-out audience at Weill Recital Hall at Carnegie Hall in 2019. Their new album, Heike Quinto is scheduled to be released from the Naxos label. www.duoyumeno.com

Kimura graduated from Tokyo University of Arts and was awarded a scholarship from the Agency of Culture Affairs of Japan. Awards include the First prize at the prestigious 10th Kenjun Memorial National Koto Competition. As a koto/shamisen soloist, she has performed with numerous string quartets, chamber ensembles and chamber orchestras.

Following his studies at Eastman School of Music, Rice University and Northwestern University, Tamaki served as the principal cellist of the Fort Wayne Philharmonic and has given numerous performances of major concertos with the orchestra. He currently serves as the principal cellist of the Berkshire Opera Festival Orchestra and is a member of the Albany Symphony.