Music associated with the performances and the countries of the week will be presented by Atsuhiko Takenaka from BIRD Theatre on violin/viola and Etsuko Nishio on piano. The concert will take place in the foyer, in close quarters with you. Please feel free to enjoy a moment before the evening programme.
TAKENAKA Atsuhiko
Composer, conductor, violin and viola player. Studied composition under H. Gattermeyer at the University of Music and Performing Arts Vienna. Also studied violin under B. Novotny during the same period. While a student, he produced works in a wide range of genres. After returning to Japan, he was active mainly in Kochi, where he composed 'Waterside Scene' as the original theme music for the Museum of Art, Kochi. Since 2009 he has been working as the resident musician for the BIRD Theatre Company, primarily composing music for the BIRD Theatre Company's performances.
NISHIO Etsuko
Began playing the piano at the age of three. Graduated from Toho Girls' High School. Majored in piano at Toho Gakuen College Music Department. After graduation, she performed concerts, collaborated with other instruments and played as an accompanist. Recently, she has been performing several concerts a year with her fellow musicians in the group 'Hibiki'. She also performs at the 'BIRD Theatre' and other events in various places. She pursues the possibilities of the keyboard as well as the acoustic piano.