Photo: Nicole Goodhue Boyd
The Timeless Sound of an Ancient Instrument
Grand Master James Nyoraku Schlefer is a virtuoso performer of traditional and contemporary shakuhachi music, an esteemed teacher in the Kinko school, and a ground-breaking composer. Honored by Musical America International as one of their “30 Top Professionals and Influencers,” Nyoraku Sensei’s efforts promote and sustain traditional shakuhachi music through performances, lecture/demonstrations, residencies, and concert programming. His original compositions forge new ground with contemporary works for both Japanese and Western instruments and ensembles.
Recognition
National Endowment for the Arts Interview
Musical America Worldwide’s 30 Influencers
“Performed with sombre intensity”—NY Times
“Unexpectedly groovy”—NY Times
“America’s Finest Shakuhachi Player.”—Concertonet.com
“A fusion of Eastern traditional ensemble and Western string quartet, Dream Corner is among the most convincing, integrated, and musical fusions of the two ensembles and philosophies.”—KCMetropolis
古（いにしえ）の楽器が奏でる永久（とこしえ）の音（ね）
日本の伝統的楽器である竹製の縦笛尺八は、何世紀もの間、聴く人の知性と心を虜にしてきました。驚くほどの簡素な造りとは裏腹に、極めるのに何年もかかるこの楽器の奏でる音は、官能的であり、同時に崇高で、聴く人の深い感情を揺り動かす力を秘めています。アメリカを代表する尺八奏者であるジェームス如楽シュレファー氏は、伝統的および現代尺八音楽の卓越した奏者であり、琴古流（こきんりゅう）尺八の師範として高い評価を受けると同時に、和・洋楽器両方のための斬新な音楽の作曲家でもあります。