THE EDITOR: Sir,
THE CONCERT of music for Koto (Japanese harp) and Shakuhachi (Japanese flute), at the Little Theatre in Kingston, on Friday, July 11, gave many of us Jamaicans a lift, that stayed with us long after the sounds had died away.
From the very start, both sights and sounds promised to be quite different from those to which we are accustomed. Yet, as several persons later reflected, we found ourselves enveloped by an enriching aura of amity and tranquillity.
The stunning expertise of all four musicians was always balanced by their subtle yet strict discipline and their respect for the music and those who played, as well as for those who listened. There was subdued humour and occasionally, flashing eyes; movements always delicate.
Most remarkable were their sensitive and perceptive performances of the three Jamaican folk songs to which they had been introduced in writing, at most two days before they arrived. (Please allow me to explain that there had been no need for me to teach them the music of our songs as has been reported. They mastered it through human understanding, intellectual insight and artistic brilliance).
Most of all, the performance by Sanryo Urabi and Company demonstrated the power of real music, to draw together people of widely differing historical and cultural backgrounds: a vital ingredient for establishing peaceful coexistence on our marvellous but ailing planet.
We owe many thanks to His Excellency the Japanese Ambassador and to his Lady, who enhanced the musicians' visit visually, with her magnificent floral arrangements, for yet another inspiring cultural event.
Thanks are also due to the organisations and individuals who helped to sponsor the visit of Sanryo Urabi, Sanso Hatada, Kanoko Mitsunari and Kazuko Fukuda.
I am, etc.,
OLIVE LEWIN
P.O. Box 258,
Kingston 6
