Music for Koto
Reiko Kimurawas born in Nagano prefecture to akoto-playing mother, and startedkotolessons at the age of six. Lessons in piano and solfege followed soon after. In 1971 she entered the Seiha Academy of Music in Tokyo, where she studied classicalkotoof the Ikuta school and jiuta shamisen. On graduation she continued her studies at the training course for performers of Japanese music established by NHK (Japan's public broadcasting network). In 1977 she joined Pro Musica Nipponia, and started her studies of thenijugen. She was awarded first prize at the 1979 Pan Musique Contemporary Music Contest. Her fourth solo recital, an all-Miki program, was awarded the 1994 Arts Festival Award for most outstanding musician. Leaving Pro Musica Nipponia in 1997, she became a soloist with Miki's Orchestra in Asia.Tadashi Tajimais ashakuhachiplayer of international renown. He has participated in many international music festivals, including the Edinburgh Music Festival and has performed in a total of 14 countries outside Japan. He was awarded the Arts Festival Award by the Agency for Cultural Affairs in 1990. As a member of Pro Musica Nipponia, he has been awarded the Remy Martin Prize, and the Ongaku-no-tomo Sha Prize. He placed first at the Japanese Music Competition of the Pan Musique Festival, being awarded the Grand Prix and the German Ambassador's Award.