Today we’d like to introduce you to Columbus Koto Ensemble.
Hi Columbus Koto Ensemble, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
The Columbus Koto Ensemble consists of Jessica Entis, Lori Fannin and Lisa Reaves. In 2014 the Columbus Koto Ensemble was formed to allow us the opportunity to perform and educate the Columbus area about the koto and Japanese music. All three of us had different paths towards learning about the koto and Japanese music. Jessica learned koto as part of her cultural education during her stay in Japan with the JET program, Lori learned about the music and instrument through her friendships with the members of the group and Lisa grew up learning the koto through her mother, who was a koto teacher.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
We pride ourselves on our ability to work well with each other and so our only struggle has been to learn how to market ourselves and increase our exposure within the community.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
We perform live Japanese music, both traditional as well as contemporary pieces in the central Ohio area. Our mission is also to educate the public about Japanese music, musicians and culture. We are most proud of our recent commissioned koto ensemble piece written by the famous koto performer/composer, ASUKA. We are one of the few professional groups that perform on koto in the mid-west region.
What sort of changes are you expecting over the next 5-10 years?
Although Japanese and Asian culture is popular the depth of that knowledge may be limited and we hope that by performing and continuing to educate the public about Japanese music and the koto that we can help expand American’s knowledge about Japanese culture and music.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://columbuskoto.org
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/columbuskoto/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ColumbusKoto
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheColumbusKotoEnsemble
