DIRECT from a concert in the Sydney Opera House with the Japanese drum group Taikoz, Shakuhachi grand master, Riley Lee, returns to Maleny for a concert in St George’s Church 2 Walkers Drive, at 2pm on Sunday October 29.
Riley Lee became the first non-Japanese master of the Shakuhachi flute in the world, and in 1997 formed the internationally celebrated group Taikoz with Ian Cleworth. Riley is an international artist in his own right, so St George’s-in-the-Hills concert committee is lucky to be able to welcome him again, according to committee Chair, Michele Rechtslag.
“Riley was very well received when he came last year, so we are delighted he can make time from his busy schedule to return in October. How privileged are we that he is prepared to come and play for us in St George’s Church when he has just been delighting audiences on the Sydney Opera House stage?” she said.
He has titled his Maleny concert Musical Musings and the program will include traditional 16th century Japanese melodies, contemporary international pieces and as well as his own interpretations of 12th century Hildegard von Bingen music.
Chinese-American by birth, Riley Lee was in Maleny in 1987 when the town produced the first Maleny Folk Festival. This festival was the origin of the internationally regarded Woodford Folk Festival where he has performed many times. He now lives in Sydney with his wife Patricia.
The Shakuhachi is a Japanese bamboo woodwind derived from the Chinese thirteen centuries ago, and only a ‘master’ can play it with real authority. Following his induction as a Grand Master of the instrument in 1980, Riley has performed across the world notably with the Boston Symphony Orchestra, the Berlind Theatre Princeton, as well as in Australia with the Melbourne and Sydney Symphony Orchestras.
He has a PhD in ethnomusicology from Sydney University and has taught courses at Princeton University. His first album, cut in vinyl, is still available on the Smithsonian-Folkways label, but his current CDs will be available for purchase on the 29th.
Because of the limited space in the church and hall, booking is recommended, either at www.trybooking.com, by phoning Susan on 54943062 or may be purchased at the door where there is eftpos available. Cost is $25, which includes light refreshments after the concert.