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Onishi Masako

Onishi Masako
Kokyū

Onishi Masako started playing the piano at the age of 4 but became fascinated by the Koto and began studying it with the Seiha-ryû Koto school in Japan aged 12. After moving to Australia, she joined the renowned Sawai International Koto School and studied with the legendary Koto player and school founder Sawai Kazue, as well as with several of her protégés including Odamura Satsuki, Takezawa Etsuko and Kitai Saeko. She has played extensively in Australia with performances at many venues including the Sydney Opera House and the Queensland Performing Arts Centre with Sawai Kazue. Currently residing in London, she has taught the Koto at the Japanese Music Society based at SOAS, has performed at various venues including Asia House, given concerts and collaborated with a number of musicians on the new stage musical concept Kuroda. Now, she performs mainly with the London based ensemble Hibiki, teaches privately and enjoys exploring contemporary Koto music.

Also Known As Masako Onishi-Townsend
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