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The Brandon Lee Koto Ensemble again joins forces with internationally renowned shakuhachi performer, vocalist, improviser and composer, Anne Norman to present, Itotake（糸竹) . Featuring voice, shakuhachi, and koto ensemble, with a variety of works ranging from traditional pieces to contemporary pieces by Japanese and Australian composers.
Bookings: https://www.trybooking.com/DAXDQ
Brandon Lee and Anne Norman are adventurous musicians with lifetimes of dedication to the music of Japan. For the past few years, they have been collaborating for the annual Matsudo Week, Sister City relationship in Whitehorse.
Their 2025 programme, Itotake(糸竹) offers music for shakuhachi, and koto ensemble, with a variety of works ranging from traditional pieces to contemporary pieces by Japanese and Australian composers.
“Ito” refers to the many strings of the koto, while “Take” refers to the bamboo from which the shakuhachi is made.
Having studied the Japanese zither (koto) first in Melbourne and then as apprentice to virtuoso Kazue Sawai in Tokyo, Brandon is now one of Australia’s foremost professional Koto players and his collaborations of original music extend across many genres.
Anne Norman's professional music and theatre career, spanning many decades, has included appearances at international music and arts festivals across Australia, Japan, America and Europe. Her collaborations range from Zen meditations and Byzantine chant to beatbox artists and free-jazz ensembles.
