Sakura Dance

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Description +
- This work is based on the traditional Japanese melody Sakura Sakura, reimagined from a contemporary perspective. Written for marimba and three percussionists, the piece incorporates timbres and elements reminiscent of traditional Japanese instruments.
  
  The first half contrasts the aesthetic of ma—the beauty found in silence and space—with the dynamic power of traditional Japanese rhythms, creating a distinctive interplay of stillness and motion. In contrast, the latter half introduces Latin-inspired rhythms, leading to a lively and spirited exchange between the marimba and the percussionists.
  
  SAKURA—the cherry blossom—symbolizes the spirit of Japanese spring. Beyond its full bloom, even as its petals dance in the wind, one can feel the joy and vitality of life in motion. The work carries the hope that cherry blossoms may dance across the world, connecting hearts and blossoming into peace and friendship.
Instrumentation +
- Soloist:
  Marimba (5.0 Octave), Kagurasuzu (or Sleigh Bells)
  
  Percussion 1:
  Claves, Woodblock, 2 Bongos, China Gong, Splash Cymbal
  
  Percussion 2:
  Chappa, 2 Congas, Suspended Cymbal
  
  Percussion 3:
  Tam-tam, Djembe, Guiro, Rin
About the composer +
- Kana Omori is an international marimbist. Ms. Omori has released four solo marimba albums, “Je Te Veux,” “Cappriccio Grazioso,” “Siguiriya Gitana” and “Café de KANA,” as well as a duet CD, “Duo KAtriNA,” with the Swiss flutist, Katrin Huggler-Locher. She has also published a book of her arrangements for marimba, “Masterpieces of Classical Music on Marimba Vol. 1” and a collection of essays “Meine Träume (My Dreams)”.
  
  She completed both her undergraduate and graduate studies at the Osaka College of Music. Additionally, Ms. Omori completed a graduate degree at the University of Music and Performing Arts in Munich, Germany in the class of Prof. Dr. Peter Sadlo.
  
  She has been awarded several prizes, including the First Prize at the International Music Competition in Kobe, Japan in 2006 and the First Prize and “Absolute Prize” at the International Percussion Competition in Italy, in 2010, where she was also awarded a special prize from jury member N. J. Zivkovic. In 2011 she was awarded the Cultural Prize of the city of Kyoto. In 2018 she is invited to perform at PASIC 2018.
  
  Ms. Omori has performed as a marimba soloist with many orchestras throughout Japan and has appeared on several Japanese television and radio broadcasts. She was a member of the jury for the final round of The Japan Classical Music Competition. She is always interested in performing and recording new works written especially for her as well as world premieres.
  
  She has given recitals and clinics around Europe, the USA, Hong Kong and Japan as a PEARL /ADAMS Percussion Instruments and Encore Mallets Inc. artist. Fall Creek Marimbas designed a new glockenspiel model named after Kana Omori - the “KANA-Glock”. Encore Mallets Inc. offers “Kana Omori Signature Mallets Series”.
  
  Kana Omori Official Web Site: http://kana-mallets.com
Credits +
- Front Cover graphics and layout: Nicola Lee
  Engraving: Kana Omori
  Printed in Copenhagen, Denmark
  Copyright © Edition SVITZER
  www.editionsvitzer.com

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