I met up with some wonderful shakuhachi people the day after the Carnegie Hal gig. It was very interesting that feel I had focused so much on the performances of Genshin Concert, that I could hardly play honkyoku at all. Honkyoku, the traditional music of shakuhachi has always been the most improtant part of my musical work. And yet.. I almost felt blank the day after. I am back and into playing honkyoku again and loving it.
Now the next project is a collaboration with Greenlandish composer and flute player Arnannguaq Gerstrøm. She will compose a piece for solo shakuhachi. I can’t wait. And maybe I can get Jesper Holmen to compose as well.

After the concerts in Royal Festival Hall and Carnegie Hall, I went to Virginia Beach and Denver to meet Aunt Susan and Aunt Lois – my father’s younger sisters. My sister Andrea came as well. And on top of that a second cousin once removed Arthur and his wife Edie drove to Virginia Beach from Washington DC. I learned so much about my family background. Every time I learn something new, it feels like I – as a person – become more full. I am grateful to the people who took time to be together and talk. So blessed.

It was an amazing experience of course to play in the legendary Carnegie Hall. How many great musicians have not played there? I am again grateful to AWR Music Productions and my friend from Mills College, Eric Roth, who was the conductor. The koto soloist was Yoko Reikano. It was just as important an experience to feel that once on stage and playing it is business as usual. But of course it was great! And I will keep this experience in my heart.

On the 11th of January 2024, I had the privilege of performing as a soloist together with Masako Townsend on koto and with the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra conducted by Arnie Roth. The audience surely love the game Genshin Impact and the music. So it was such a pleasure. I rehearsed with Masako and we had a really good time together as well. Thank you to AWR Music for the opportunity!