Biography
Ayakano Cathleen Read began studying Yamada School koto music in 1969. She holds the urayurushi, nakayurushi and okuyurushi certificates of performance ability. In 1974, she became the first non-Japanese to join the shachu (musicians’ guild) of Nakanoshima Kin’ichi. Cathleen was given the performing name Ayakano. Ayakano’s teacher was Ichimura Ayano, a pupil of Nakanoshima Kin’ichi. Ayakano has performed widely in the United States, Japan, and Africa at museums, universities, and concert halls, on radio and television. Ms. Read has a BA from Mount Holyoke College and a Ph.D. In Ethnomusicology from Wesleyan University. She is Adjunct Professor in the Music Department of Tufts University.
Artist Statement
山田琉事曲 Yamada-ryu sokyoku is Japanese classical chamber music performed on koto (long zither) and shamisen (3 stringed plucked spiked fiddle) and voice.