Photograph by Chris Marlof
February 18, 8 p.m.
$18
1 University, University of Missouri–St. Louis
314-516-4949
touhill.org
Silver Roots is violinist Maria Kaneko Millar, flutist Shawn Wyckoff, and cellist Michael Haas. They met at The Juilliard School and have, for the past several years, redefined chamber music by marbling folk tunes and Millar’s original compositions (which often indicate choreography in the score) into three centuries of classical repertoire. The aim? “Telling the world’s story through music.” Japan Meets World describes a blending of Eastern and Western traditions. The set list features a medley of traditional Japanese folk songs, Ureshii Hinamatsuri/Hanayome Ningyo/Toryanse, arranged by Millar and played on classical instruments, along with contemporary Japanese composer Toshitsugu Ogihara’s Trio for clarinet, violin and violoncello; Millar’s Tsuru (for Solo Dancing Violinist with Fabric); and Katherine Hoover’s Kokopeli, Op. 43, for flute, performed along with a recitation of the poem “Whip Man” by Nez Percé poet Phil George. Though the group performs folk music from 16 different countries, Japan Meets World is almost a musical biography for Millar, who was born in Canada but spent childhood summers in Japan. “I remember loving the natsu matsuri [summer festivals] in Japan, complete with raucous drumming and flute playing, processions of shrines, street fireworks…unadulterated fun and a chance to get out of practicing the violin!” she laughs. Hear her play, and you’ll be glad she paused while playing scales and allowed those taiko drums and firecrackers to influence her fretting and bowing.
