The Japan Ensemble, led by Kozue Matsumoto (Shōgun on Hulu/Disney, Ghost of Tsushima, Genshin Concert Orchestra), is a group of dedicated student musicians based in Santa Clarita, CA, committed to celebrating and sharing Japanese music and culture through education and performance.
Now the Japan Ensemble is hosting a fundraising gala presented by Dex Digital Sample Library at LA Artcore in Little Tokyo on Wednesday, July 17 from 7 PM to 9 PM.
The night includes chamber works, a taiko performance, and a full ensemble concert by the Japanese Ensemble, raffles, a silent auction, and a takoyaki and yakitori dinner, which is included in the ticket price.
Tickets for the gala are available now at dexdsl.com, with a flat ticket price of $125. Guests are encouraged to donate beyond the ticket price to reach an initial funding goal of $10,000, of which a majority will go toward a matching fund for the ensemble to match any donations made during the gala. Special $20 student pricing is available for any student who displays a valid CA student ID upon entry. Early bird ticket for $75 is available until July 15.
This fundraising effort comes at the sudden news of the student ensemble’s funding being cut this Spring by the California Institute of the Arts, the ensemble’s original endorser.
The ensemble, active since 2015, has amassed many passionate students who call the group family. “Learning how to play the koto encouraged me to rediscover what it means to be a part of the wider AAPI community,” a student shares. “It was deeply influential for me to work alongside Kozue Matsumoto in this endeavor as I believe her musical experience plays an integral part in the preservation and cultivation of Japanese culture in the West.”
Event info:
Date: Wednesday, July 17, 204 at 7pm
Location: LA Artcore ,120 Judge John Aiso Street, Los Angeles, CA, 90012)
Tickets and more info: https://dexdsl.com/dexnotes/gala
Ensemble social media account:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CalArtsJapaneseEnsemble
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/calartsjapaneseensemble/
