20th JAL Otobutai to be held in Temple of the Golden Pavilion, Kyoto

On Saturday September 8 2007, the 20th JAL Group sponsored annual musical performance of Otobutai (Sound Stage) will be staged in Kyoto in the spectacular grounds of the Zen Buddhist Rokuon-ji temple complex, the location of the stunning Golden Pavilion also known as Kinkaku-ji.

Performed in the grounds of Japan’s most historic temples and held annually since 1989, JAL Otobutai is a unique blend of western and eastern music. Staged at a different temple each year, it presents first class artists from Japan and abroad in a unique collaboration of music and performances presented under the theme, “East Meets West”.

Kinkaku-ji or the Golden Pavilion will be the setting for this year’s musical event. One of Japan’s leading historical sites, this UNESCO World Heritage registered building was built by the Shogun Ashikaga Yoshimitsu in 1393 as his residence.

After his death – 600 years ago - the site was converted into a Zen Buddhist temple of the Rinzai School. This beautiful three-story pavilion covered in gold leaf stands at the edge of a lake with its image reflecting in the tranquil waters: the perfect location for this unique musical concert to take place.

Performing in front of an illuminated Golden Pavilion will be the world-renowned, extremely versatile vocalist Russell Watson from England, whose repertoire ranges from operatic arias to pop. There will also be a performance by Kiyokazu Kanze, the Grand Master of the Kanze School of Noh. Noh is Japan's classical stage art which combines in stylistic and aesthetic way dance, drama, music and poetry. They will be joined by pianist Takashi Kako, one of Japan’s leading composers whose compositions fuse elements of classic, modern and jazz music; talented vocalist Yoka Wao, a former member of the Takarazuka Revue where she specialized in playing male roles; and the brilliant violinist Iwao Furusawa known for his original, bold arrangements.

The 2007 JAL Otobutai will feature two evening performances.

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