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A Wonderful Journey...

DUO EN: JOHN AND ELIZABETH
EN is a duo bound to Japan, music, and each other, and specializes in sharing contemporary and classical music from Japan. EN's philosophy is to connect - to their audience, the environment, and the moment. Based in Seattle, Duo En has played throughout the Pacific Northwest, and has toured to the Midwest, East Coast, and to Japan.

John and Elizabeth met when they began studying Japanese in 1974. They fell in love with each other, then fell in love with Japan. Since then they have lived in Japan for over a decade, studying Japanese music from master teachers including Sakata Ryozan, Sawai Kazue, Sawai Tadao, and Igarashi Ryozan. Their love for Japanese music and culture comes alive in their warm, intimate, inspired performances. John's shakuhachi flute and Elizabeth's koto create an elegant and meditative mood.

The shakuhachi (bamboo flute) has a zen tradition in Japan. It is an end-blown flute with five finger holes and an oblique mouthpiece carved into the end. It has been used as an instrument of meditation since the 13 century in Japan and is also used for classical and contemporary music of all kinds. Its hauntingly beautiful sound is said to replicate the full range of natural life on earth. Its name derives from its length –one shaku, eight sun (ichi shaku hachi sun) long – about 1.8 feet long.

The koto is the official national instrument of Japan. It is a 13-stringed classical instrument with a history of over 1,000 years. It is about six feet long, made from Empress Tree (Paulownia) wood, and is hollow, with a sound hole underneath. It is called a “dragon” instrument because of its shape. The strings – once made of silk – are played with three ivory picks on the right hand, while the left hand is used for changing the pitch and creating various ornamentations and effects. The music is closely associated with the love of nature found in traditional Japan. The instrument is thought to have originated in China, and there are many similar instruments like this throughout Asia.