Kouchak founded the choir in 2011 in the wake of the Tohoku earthquake and tsunami. Since its founding, the choir has performed in multiple locations, including the Kew Gardens Japanese tree planting ceremony in April 2012 and at the Holland Park Kyoto Garden Spring festival in April 2014. Members of the choir have also performed for Emperor Akihito and Empress Michiko during the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee celebrations.
As part of the two performances at Japan House the children, aged six to 14, will take the audience on a journey of the life’s work of Japanese illustrator Anno Mitsumasa, singing a series of Shōwa era songs. Filled with nostalgia these songs reflect the social and economic changes of this period of the country’s history, which spans six decades from 1928-1989.
On the performances, Kouchak notes:
“As part of the performance the children will sing ‘Sakura Sakura’ – one of the signature songs we sing each year as a new generation of children blossom and rejuvenate the choir with new voices. As in the cycle of nature, the Tsubasa Children’s Choir brings new life to this beautiful traditional song with their vision of hope and harmony. We are honoured to be a part of this exhibition celebrating the life and works of Anno Mitsumasa.”
The two performances are scheduled to take place on Sunday 22 September and Sunday 6 October. The latter performance will coincide with Silver Sunday 2019. Japan House welcomes older members of the local community to attend this free event, along with their friends and family.
These performances are suitable for all ages. Please book a place via the Japan House website here.