A unique opportunity to see renowned singer and musician Akiko Kubota perform in the UK, in a programme of music by and about trailblazing Japanese women. 

At its heart is a new composition for voice and biwa, written especially for Akiko by British composer Francesca Le Lohé, and first heard in Tokyo in December 2023. The biwa is a stringed instrument traditionally used to accompany narrative songs that chronicle the achievements of warriors in battle. This new work celebrates the brief life of a brave and radical woman: writer and feminist anarchist Itō Noe (1895-1923), killed by Japanese state forces when she was just 28. It is sung in Japanese with English surtitles. 

This programme is brought to you with the support of the Japan Foundation and the Daiwa Foundation.

Alongside this new work, sits beautiful music for violin and piano by three of Noe’s contemporaries who broke new ground writing in the Western Classical tradition, played by award-winning soloists with international careers, pianist Yura Zaiki and violinist Midori Komachi. Special guest speaker Dr Irena Hayter (Associate Professor of Japanese Studies at the University of Leeds), will be here to tell us more.

 Akiko Kubota has performed across Asia, South America and Europe including with the Vienna Philharmonic. Francesca Le Lohé’s is active in the UK and Japan. Her opera ‘The Key’ won the prestigious Keizo Saji Prize in 2019 and she is an LSO Soundhub Associate 2022-2024. 

“An outstanding British talent…This is the timeless way creation should happen.” 

The Asahi Newspaper on Francesca Le Lohé. Presented in the UK by Hera in association with Illuminate Women’s Music.

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There are no assigned seats for this event.

Drinks can be purchased from our onsite bar.

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