The world-class intercultural music ensemble INTERWOVEN is playing a concert May 11 in Vancouver, presented by local non-profit organization Muzewest.
INTERWOVEN features traditional Asian instruments such as shamisen, piri,
saenghwang, and erhu playing alongside classical Western string instruments (violin,
viola, and cello). Their mission is “to bring together the sounds from different places
and time. The ensemble name derives from the idea that music making is like creating
a tapestry, weaving together with threads that represent and celebrate diverse origins,
traditions and materials.”
INTERWOVEN founder and GRAMMY-winning violinist Keiko Tokunaga was inspired to
create the ensemble in response to the climate of anti-Asian racism that developed at
the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic. She said, “Hate comes from the fear of the
unknown; it is our natural instinct as animals to avoid something that seems foreign. On
the other hand, we see plenty of examples of synergy in nature, meaning that entirely
different beings can work together and create something better and stronger. We
believe that combining multiple cultures fortifies our bonds as human beings, and it
helps us create a more inclusive environment.”
INTERWOVEN’s Canadian debut in Vancouver, presented by Muzewest, will include
three Canadian premieres of compositions inspired by Asian folklore.
Muzewest Concerts has been bringing world-class performances by exceptional classical
musicians from all over the globe for 11 years to music lovers across BC's Lower
Mainland and the world at affordable prices.
There will be a pre-concert discussion with one of the commissioned composers, Michael Ippolito, and INTERWOVEN’s co-artistic director, Dr. Sean Wang, on the subject of cultural integration and clash, at the venue.
Muzewest would like to thank the Canada Council for the Arts for making this concert
possible.
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