Simply Sawai: A Concert Series in Four Seasons

The Simply Sawai Concert series was conceived of after Koto Master Kazue Sawai came to Seattle to perform in September, 2006. I was the event organizer, and played witih six other players in two concertos that featured her as soloist, Sawai's "Fantasia" and "Homura" (Burst into Flames). As usual, she left the audience stunned with her virtuosity. We performed for a full house at Cornish College and received a full audience standing ovation. Afterwards, the reverberations of the energy - the Sawai spirit - that was felt in the dynamic, heartfelt playing of his musical partner and wife Kazue Sawai, remained ringing in the air.

And I was struck with the importance of sharing Sawai's music with a wider audience. I was struck also with a realization of life's fleetingness. I had studied with the Sawais in Tokyo during the 1980s, and now Sawai himself was gone, and we are all getting older; I had just greeted my 50th year. Our son Brian, who we adopted the same year that Sawai Tadao passed away, has become a player and composer in his own right, playing with the best of them in the two concertos. I was exhausted and exhilarated as I always am after a production has been completed. After the rehearsals, publicity, planning, programming and scheduling, after the celebratory party at our home, after the trips to the airport, and as the bouquets of flowers began to fade, I felt a sense of renewal from sharing Sawai's music. And I realized that, while I still can, I want to help share his music and vision with the people here, in Seattle. So close - and yet so far - from Japan.

Together with my husband and musical partner John, we began to plan a concert series that would celebrate Sawia's life and music that coincides with the 10th anniversary of his passing in 1997. Sawai's works so wonderfully reflected seasons, nature, and the constant movement between and within them, it organized itself easily into four seasons. Besides koto solos, duets, and trios, it will include Sawai works for koto and voice, violin, and shamisen, and an American premier of his "Aki no Gensokyoku" (Autumn Fantasy) for koto and shakuhachi. Each concert will feature a variety of instrumentation and feature five works by Sawai Tadao. My plan is to make this site like a living diary of the series; you will be able to see, hear and write about the programs as they take place, and your feedback, comments and suggestions are welcome. I hope especially to hear your reactions to different pieces, and how they affected you. This site is just another ripple going out, as the music of Sawai reaches out.

As I write this, in the beginning of 2007, I look forward to this musical adventure with a sense of determination and joy. There are many notes ahead of me, and no doubt the usual surprises that come with live performances. I will strive to be like Sawai as I prepare this; listening carefully. Practicing always. And welcoming each day with his music in my heart. - Elizabeth Falconer, January, 2007