MATSU TAKE ENSEMBLE

Emiko Toguchi, koto
Michel Dubeau, shakuhachi, shinobue
Bruno Deschênes, shakuhachi
Kayo Yasuhara, Japanese dance
Ignatius Kim, taiko

The only Japanese chamber music ensemble in Montréal, Québec.

Since 1997, Emiko Toguchi, Michel Dubeau and Bruno Deschênes have been dedicating themselves to the promulgation of Japanese music in Québec. Emiko Toguchi plays the koto, the Japanese table zither, with its harplike sound. Michel Dubeau and Bruno Deschênes play the shakuhachi, the well-known Japanese bamboo flute, traditionnally played by Japanese Zen Buddhist monks. The three musicians have been playing together since 1997, and have created the Matsu Take ensemble in 2002. The fourth member of the ensemble is Kayo Yasuhara, who joined the group in the Spring of 2006. She has a training in theater (Noh and Kabuki), traditional dance and Japanese percussion. Since the spring of 2008, the Matsu Take ensemble has a new member: percussionnist Ignatius Kim, who has been a member of Montreal-based Japanese taiko ensemble Arashi Daiko.

These musicians are performing Japanese chamber classical and contemporary music, as well as folk songs. Japanese classical music has a typically Buddhist character. It is even considered by many as a meditation music, especially the solo repertory of the shakuhachi, which is originally one of meditation music. Japanese music has a profound serenity, while deeply linked to nature and spirituality.

The repertory of the ensemble presents includes classical pieces in solo, duo and trio, some of which are more than 250 years old, well-known folk songs, contemporary pieces, as well as their own arrangements and compositions. Music lovers will recognize typically oriental melodies.

The name "Matsu Take" means pine and bamboo, two of the most significant trees in Japanese symbolism and mythology.

The ensemble is available to perform during corporative and private events, as well as cocktails or any other events link to Japan. The musicians can perform in solo, duet, in trio or quartet. On some occasions, well-known Montreal percussionnist Patrick Graham joins them as guest percussionist.

For more informations, please contact Bruno Deschênes at (514) 277-4665 or at bruno@musis.ca, or Michel Dubeau at (450) 224-2210 or at micheld54@gmail.com.

Please, click here to visit us at the following sites to see some videos and hear some music of our Ensemble:

CBC Radio • YouTube • BandCamp