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This content was published: January 31, 2009. Phone numbers, email addresses, and other information may have changed.

'East meets West' performance slated for Rock Creek

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"East Meets West" is the biographical description of performers coming to Rock Creek. Featuring one of our own, PCC Music Instructor Peter Zisa, this is a performance of blended eastern and western music styles focused heavily on Japanese Koto [Japanese harp] music. The focused performer is Yukiko Vossen.

Yukiko Vossen’s performance on the Koto is has been described as exquisitely refined and dynamically vibrant. Yukiko, born in Yamaguchi, received her primary training from Grand Master Masazumi Mizuno and Gasho Okuno. She received her pre-master certificate from Seiha Conservatory of Japanese Music with honors. Yukiko’s performances in the U.S. include concerts as an ensemble member under the direction of extraordinary Jazz shakuhachi (bamboo flute) player/ composer John Kaizan Neptune and the world renowned Koto virtuoso Kazue Sawai.

During her most recent studies at Marylhurst University in Music Therapy, Yukiko has received musical direction from Mitsuki Dazai. In the past year Yukiko has performed concerts and lecture performances with Peter Zisa; their most recent educational performance lectures “West meets East,” explores and features the diverse and rich musical landscapes of the koto and the classical guitar.

Thanks to Derek Gladwin and Peter Zisa, we will have the distinct honor of the “East Meets West” performance and Yukiko Vossen’s beautiful performance.

“East Meets West” will take place Wednesday, Feb. 4 from 1:30 to 2:30 p.m. in the Rock Creek Event Center, Building 9 room 122C. All PCC faculty, staff and students across the district are welcome to attend.

For more information, and for faculty wanting to bring their classes, please RSVP with Derek Gladwin by e-mail at: derek.gladwin@pcc.edu

About James Hill

James G. Hill, an award-winning journalist and public relations writer, is the Director of Public Relations at Portland Community College. A graduate of Portland State University, James has worked as a section editor for the Newberg Graphic... more »