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Sydney World Shakuhachi Festival 2008

Get to know the ancient Japanese bamboo flute when Sydney hosts a five day festival dedicated to the Shakuhachi.

Editorial Review

4 - 8 July, 2008

As you are reading this, somewhere in the world a wannabe pop starlet is fronting their bedroom mirror exacting a look to convince their adoring fans of the future that they are 'in the moment'. Over in Japan they've had it sorted for centuries through the simple application of a basket to the head. The players of the shakuhachi practise a Buddhist form of meditative blowing and do so basket-headed in order to detach themselves from the world.

Sydneysiders are invited to venture beyond the basket as the World Shakuhachi Festival brings five days of fluting to the harbour city. The ethereal sound of the bamboo flute is the star at more than 20 performances, including a free concert to accompany the Art Gallery of NSW's Taisho Chic exhibition of Japanese art.

Maestros from Japan described as 'living treasures' by artistic director Riley Lee are included in the festival program as well as collaborations with some Australian musical booty such as the Sydney Children's Choir and TaikOz. Both traditional and contemporary styles of shakuhachi are featured, showing how this ancient instrument of the Fuke sect of Buddhist monks has evolved and remained an important part of Japanese culture.

Kat Harley

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