Mandaracha presents: Shamisen Storytelling and Tea
March 23（Sat）17:00-18:00
By MK（Shamisen ）
Performance & Tea + vegan pairing 3,500円

This is the first time MK will perform live at Mandaracha.
Back in 2020, MK made a 2000km 3-year journey by foot, from Kamakura to Yakushima. He stopped in many places along the way, met people, participated in numerous adventures and composed new melodies with his shamisen.

He will share some of those stories as well as his enchanting music. You will be accompanied by a selection of Japanese tea and vegan pairing, respecting the old shoujin tradition of plant-based.

This unique type of event diving into the Japanese culture combining music and tea is a first and the beginning of many.

BIOGRAPHY OF THE ARTIST

MK's professional journey is a fascinating fusion of diverse musical genres and cultural experiences. Starting as
a guitarist in a Slovak Punk rock band, MK's journey took him to Australia, where he transitioned to become a
bass guitarist in an Aussie pop-rock ensemble. Continuing his musical exploration, MK immersed himself in piano
studies and pursued advanced musical education, specialising in classical music and composition, at CIT
University in Cork, Ireland.
A pivotal moment in MK's career occurred when he received a Shamisen as a gift from a craftsman in Japan,
redirecting his musical trajectory. Subsequently, MK graduated with a master's degree in Ethnomusicology at
UCC, Ireland, with a focus on Tsugaru Shamisen and a groundbreaking project titled "CREATIVE TRADITION."
Under the tutelage of Tsugaru shamisen master Kojin Sasakawa, MK refined his skills, earning recognition for his
innovative Tsugaru shamisen style at the Hirosaki city competition. MK's musical pursuits extend beyond a
singular style, as he explores various Shamisen traditions, including Nagauta, Jiuta, Gidayu, Minyou, and more.
Additionally, MK delves into the music of other cultures, with a particular focus on India. Having travelled
extensively and performed throughout India with accomplished musicians, MK conducts research to adapt Indian
music to the unique realm of the shamisen. The pinnacle of his career included a collaboration with Grammy
award-winning South Indian Ghatam artist Vikku Vinayakram in Chennai, India, in 2019.
In 2019, MK embarked on The Jugalbandi tour across Europe with Indian percussionist Tansen Shrivastava,
showcasing their talents in Slovakia, Czech Republic, France, and Holland.
From 2020 to 2023, MK undertook a remarkable 3-year walking music pilgrimage across Japan, titled
FOLLOWING PILGRIMAGE STEPS OF ANCIENT JAPAN, covering over 2000 kilometres on foot.
The mission aimed to spread the magic of Shamisen music and Shishimai dance, build connections, conduct
research, and revive Japan's ancient culture.
In 2023, MK returned to India and performed at a prestigious stage with the well-known fusion band “TaalTantra”
and its leader Tanmoy Bose, in the Indian cultural capital, Kolkata.
Currently residing in Kyoto, MK dedicates his time to in-depth research on Japanese traditional art and culture.
He actively participates in events, workshops, and cultural activities while working on recording his debut album,
Seven Lucky Gods, reflecting his recent journey across Japan. Influenced by encounters, diverse stories, cultural
events, and ancient Japanese knowledge, MK strives for distinctive musical expressions. Rooted in tradition, his
focus is on authenticity. Additionally, he actively contributes by writing numerous articles and texts, sharing his
experiences and acquired knowledge to inspire the preservation and revitalization of culture.
MK's journey reflects a deep commitment to musical exploration, cultural exchange, and the revival of ancient
traditions, making him a unique and influential figure in the world of music.

スロバキア出身の民族音楽学者かつミュージシャン、MK(エムケイ)は、自国の伝統楽器フヤラフルートと三味線を主な楽器とする民族音楽の巧者。アイルランドの大学でクラシック音楽、大学院では民族音楽を学び、世界中の音楽のルーツを追求。日本では三味線に魅了され、津軽の大会で入賞経験もある。後に地歌、長唄、民謡の研究を始める。日本、インド、オーストラリア、ヨーロッパ各国で幅広い音楽活動を展開し、世界中のミュージシャンと共演。

「守破離の巡礼」と銘打ち、相方の獅子舞と、鎌倉から屋久島まで三年間かけて徒歩で日本全国を旅し、各地の地元の人や専門家などから伝統芸術を深く学びつつ、音楽で日本伝統を再構築する「エスノパンク」プロジェクトを共同創設。ターバンに着物、地下足袋の旅人姿。培った経験と技法を結集し三味線で老若男女を魅了し、新たな音楽の可能性を切り拓く。

Alexandre NICOLAU

Laura Fornaciari

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Events at Kyoto Mandaracha Tea House

Shamisen Storytelling and Tea

Events at Kyoto Mandaracha Tea House

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