MATSU TAKE ENSEMBLE
Emiko Toguchi, koto
Yumiko Kanao, koto and voice
Kayo Yasuhara, Japanese dance, shamisen and voice
Michel Zenchiku Dubeau, shakuhachi, shinobue
Bruno Chikushin Deschênes, shakuhachi, shinobue
Ignatius Kim, taiko and percussion
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. In 2013, the Matsu Take ensemble got a new member: Yumiko Kano who plays the koto.
Michel Dubeau received his master title, shihan in Japanese, in August 2016. The Japanese custom is such that a musician receives as well an artist name (geimei). Michel received as artist name: Chizkushin. Bruno Deschênes received his mater title in August 2016. His artist name is: Chikushin.
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, among which one is more than 1,200 years old, geisha songs, contemporary pieces, as well as their own arrangements and compositions.
Music lovers will recognize typically oriental melodies. The ensemble shows the great diversity of Japanese music.
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 (514) 224-8303 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:
