Yoko Hiraoka is a master of the classical music of Japan and performs with koto, shamisen and voice. Her early training as a young player was in the Kyoto and Kyushu traditions with a teacher who was blind. Her playing career spans thirty years and her musical performance encompasses traditional, modern and avant-garde compositions including microtonal music.
Ms. Hiraoka passes on the mantle of mastership through her school, the Koto Music Institute of Colorado. Since 1981 her teaching and playing have found venues in both Japan and the USA. She performs extensively in both countries at festivals, concerts, lecture-recitals, and in television and studio recordings. She has been a member of Kyoto Hogaku Group (an orchestra of traditional Japanese instruments) and Kyoto-based Shikandaza Ensemble.
Author: Angel Romero
Angel Romero y Ruiz has dedicated his life to musical exploration. His efforts included the creation of two online portals, worldmusiccentral.org and musicasdelmundo.com. In addition, Angel is the co-founder of the Transglobal World Music Chart, a panel of world music DJs and writers that celebrates global sounds. Furthermore, he delved into the record business, producing world music studio albums and compilations. His works have appeared on Alula Records, Ellipsis Arts, Indígena Records and Music of the World.
