Based on the innovative concept of live solo performance by percussionist Kuniko Kato to the accompaniment of pre-recorded material from ten speakers, the program for the European tour of “Kuniko plays Reich” revolves around arrangements of pieces by Steve Reich.
Kuniko Kato
Kuniko Kato is one of the most distinguished percussionists in Japan. She has worked with various groups including Ensemble Nomad, Saito Kinen Orchestra, and Ensemble Ictus (Belgium). Kuniko has also received a number of awards including the Kranichstein Award at the Darmstadt International Summer Courses for New Music, and the 12th Keizo Saji Prize awarded by the Suntory Foundation for Arts. In 2011, Kuniko released Kuniko Plays Reich globally via Linn Records (UK). The album features works of Steve Reich including his Counterpoint works arranged into a percussion version. She has since been invited to perform at international music festivals across the world as a guest performer.
Kuniko has exhibited her many talents by working with dance music directors including Rosas, Miyako Kato, and Megumi Nakamura, by creating joint works with theater director Satoshi Miyagi, and by producing theme music for the television program NHK Art Theatre.
Komitas Chamber Music Hall, Yerevan, Armenia
Maison de la culture du Japon a Paris, Paris, France
Teatro Fernando de Rojas, Madrid, Spain
Conservatori del Liceu, Barcelona, Spain
Japanisches Kulturinstitut, Cologne, Germany
Istituto Giapponese di Cultura, Rome, Italy
Museum Rietberg, Zurich, Switzerland
