© Tegen Kimbley
PERFORMANCE: Re-imagining Ainu Song: An Evening with Mayunkiki & Surge
- 1 December 2023
- 19:00-21:30
- The Hall, Japan House London, 101-111 Kensington High Street, London, W8 5SA
- https://www.japanhouselondon.uk/whats-on/2023/re-imagining-ainu-song-an-evening-with-mayunkiki-and-surge/
- +44 (0)20 7932 7100
- info@japanhouselondon.uk
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Join us for an evening of music with a special performance by Japanese Ainu artist Mayunkiki and musicians from Surge Orchestra.
During this event, guests are able to enjoy a music concert preceded by an introductory talk moderated by Japan House London Programming Director Simon Wright in which Ainu artist, singer and activist Mayunkiki and Surge’s Artistic Director Sid Peacock explore the roots of this collaboration and its ties with Ainu music and identity.
During a 30-minute break before the concert, guests can enjoy Japan House London’s newest exhibition Ainu Stories: Contemporary Lives by the Saru River, while a selection of beer, wine, cocktails and soft drinks is available at bars in the Lobby and in the Hall on the Lower Ground Floor throughout the evening until 21:30.
Programme
19:00-19:30 In conversation with Mayunkiki and Sid Peacock (Surge Orchestra) moderated by Simon Wright
19:30-20:00 Break
20:00-21:00 Music performance by Mayunkiki & Surge
Japan House London will operate a Challenge 25 policy during this event, so guests who look under 25 will be asked to show proof of age when purchasing alcoholic drinks. Japan House London reserves the right to refuse to serve alcohol to guests. Please drink responsibly. Visit drinkaware.co.uk for more information.
This event is supported by Yamaha Music Europe GmbH (UK).
Please note that filming and / or photography may take place at this event. Photos and footage of the event may then be used to promote Japan House London, helping more people to discover what we offer. If you have any concerns, please email info@japanhouselondon.uk or contact a member of the team on site.
About the performers
Mayunkiki
Born in Asahikawa, Hokkaidō, Japan, Mayunkiki’s artistic practice arises from her indigenous identity. Mayunkiki also participates in several creative projects related to Ainu culture as an adviser and singer. Through a variety of works, she conveys the predicament of her community in recent times and is especially concerned to raise the profile of Ainu culture, including sinuye (the practice of tattooing for Ainu women) and upopo songs. She is a member of Marewrew, a women’s vocal group whose activities centre around the rebirth and passing on of the upopo. She has exhibited her work and toured abroad, including Australia and the UK.
Surge Orchestra
Musicians from Birmingham based Surge Forward came together with Ainu artist and musician Mayunkiki for the first time in 2022 in a week-long residency and cultural exchange as part of Mayunkiki’s exhibition at IKON gallery. Surge Forward are delighted to welcome Mayunkiki and her longtime collaborator Tact Hirose to visit the UK again this year to continue this unique collaboration to create new work and re-imaginings of Mayunkiki’s music. Surge musicians working on this project are: Artistic Director and guitarist Sid Peacock, trumpeter Aaron Diaz, clarinettist Katie Stevens and drummer Tymek Jozwiak. These versatile musicians bring with them a wealth of experience spanning many genres across jazz and folk traditions.
Admission Free | Booking Essential
*A limited number of additional tickets will be available on the door for drop-in guests on a first-come first-served basis.
Please note that this is a standing concert, with limited seating available.
