Marimbist Kunihiko Komori

The marimba, with its ability to soothe the soul with the resonant warmth of rosewood while also stirring the spirit with primal percussive sounds, is garnering significant attention as a new frontier in contemporary classical music.


On September 29th, internationally acclaimed marimbist Kunihiko Komori will present a chamber music concert featuring works by South African composer Peter Klatzow. The marimba sound, increasingly recognized as a "healing sound" in urban consumer society, will be showcased in a performing arts context, interacting with various wind, string, keyboard, and vocal instruments!


This chamber music concert, with the marimba at its forefront, features an innovative program that encompasses all types of instruments – winds, strings, keyboards, and vocals – within a single evening. Komori states, "This performance aims to shift the perception of the marimba from a 'special instrument' to a 'perfectly ordinary' keyboard solo instrument within Western classical music, appreciated for its versatile appeal."

Peter Klatzow

The program includes the world premiere of a newly commissioned quintet for this performance, alongside other Japanese premieres. The final piece, featuring the marimba with mixed chorus and pipe organ, is a truly unique composition.


Featured in this concert is composer Peter Klatzow, originally from South Africa. Klatzow, who until last year served as the Director of the South African College of Music at the University of Cape Town and is currently the Head of Composition, will make his first visit to Japan for this event. A composer who has made immense contributions to marimba music, his romantic works for marimba, ranging from solo pieces to various chamber and concertos, are beloved by marimba players worldwide. Prior to the concert, he will participate in a talk session, and the following day, he will give a public lecture at the university. These events promise to spark new curiosity among Japanese classical music enthusiasts, who often focus primarily on European and American traditions.


Marimba: a xylophone. Africa: traditional music. These conventional images may be overturned in a single evening. Why not immerse yourself in the advanced artistic heights of African tradition this autumn 2011?

Marimbist Kunihiko Komori 2011 – Chamber Music by Peter Klatzow

Date | Thursday, September 29, 2011

Venue | Ueno Gakuen Ishibashi Memorial Hall

4-24-12 Higashi-Ueno, Taito-ku, Tokyo

Tel. 03-3843-3043

Sponsorship | Embassy of the Republic of South Africa

Grant | The ROHM Music Foundation

Tickets | Advance: All seats reserved ¥3,500 (¥4,000 at the door)

e+ http://eplus.jp

Million Concert Association Tel. 03-3501-5638

Inquiries | Million Concert Association Tel. 03-3501-5638



Kunihiko Komori HP

http://www.kunihikokomori.net