The etymology of the word “concert” is French concerter: to unite to cause to agree, from the 16th century, and in the 17th century, Italian word concertare to harmonize.
This Saturday, we will be concertizing.
https://asiasociety.org/texas/events/performing-asia-beauty-mei-universal-matima
MATIMA, a classical ensemble of two musical doctors (clarinettist Maiko Sasaki and myself, pianist Makiko Hirata) will present “Beauty (美）is Universal” at the Asia Society Texas Center. We have designed, organized, and coordinated the whole event. We will also perform solo and duos for the concert portion.
Asia Society Texas Center will be donating their beautiful space, their staff, and their publicity team for this event.
Kawai Piano Gallery Houston has generously offered their piano for this concert.
A tea ceremony will open the concert: in the Japanese art of tea, it is not just a visual presentation, nor is it just for the taste. Everything involved in the preparation and the enjoyment of tea is the offering. This includes the sound that generates during the process: the water being boiled, the hot water being poured, the tea being whipped, etc. etc. Every movement has been carefully choreographed and rehearsed. Urasenke Tankokai Houston Chapter will conduct the tea ceremony.
Japanese Society of Greater Houston (JAGH) has organized a post-concert reception. Showing Japan will be serving matcha green tea with special sweets directly from Kyoto. AGU Ramen Bistro has donated 150 bowls of their ramen noodles to be served to all guests and volunteers. Iwatani Corporation of America will be offering Takoyaki (octopus balls) using their famous takoyaki grill. Restaurant Izakaya WA will bring a surprise treat. SakéOne will offer a sake tasting, and Iichiko International will offer a shochu tasting. There will be an Origami workshop station as well.
MATIMA’s proceed from this concert will be donated to EMERGE-HISD: a non-profit organization that supports high-achieving students from underserved communities. Our donation will be used to aid in their community who were impacted by Hurricane Harvey.
There are still a limited number of tickets left! Please make a reservation as they are going fast!