ASU to host Hiraoka in Lecture-Concert

An interesting performance including the Biwa musical instrument is coming to ASU for the Lecture-Concert Series.

The Taira and Minamoto clans fought to win the land of Japan in an epic battle during 1180-1185.

Both clans fought until a victory was reached.

This story has become known as the Tale of Heike, or the Genpei War, and will be explained at the Japanese Biwa Music Performance on Feb. 26.

The Japanese Biwa Music Performance will not only have the Tale of Heike explained, but will also have Yoko Hiraoka, a native of Kyoto, Japan, perform.

She is a senior master performer of Biwa, Koto, Shamisen and Jiuta voice.  
Hiraoka has performed for over 30 years across the country and has studied several music forms ever since she was a child.

For the evening, she plans to play four unique musical compositions on the Biwa instrument.

“In Japan, Biwa performance is very rare and to have it take place in the United States on our campus is really rare and exciting,” said Tim Crist, Lecture-Concert Committee chair.

The lecture series’ main goal is to introduce unusual events to students and expose them to other cultures.

The lecture series events are always free and open to everyone.

This is the first Biwa performance at ASU and will also be the first Japanese oriented event this campus has had in along time.

Crist recalls the last Japanese oriented event 10 years ago when a Japanese dancer performed.

“What I hope people get from this experience is that students will broaden their perspective to the world and realize there is other alternatives to music,” Crist said. “I hope students walk away saying that was beautiful. I’m glad I went. But even if someone comes and doesn’t enjoy it, they will not forget it. It will be unforgettable. Whether you like or not. It’s just so unique.”

The president of the Student Government Association, Hunter Petrus, believes this event will be a success and highly encourages students to attend.

“The event will benefit anyone who comes to the event. This is a cultural practice that is barely even practiced in Japan,” Petrus said. “It will be a great opportunity and learning experience for all students, especially students in the fine arts program.”

As a supporter of diversity programs and events, the ASU Office of Diversity will fund the concert.

“I encourage students to go to the event. Go see it. Not everyone from Arkansas will get to see it,” said Lillie Fears, assistant for diversity initiative. “This is a wonderful event for our college to experience. I can‘t believe we have this great opportunity out of all the other colleges in Arkansas,” Fears said.

The Japanese Biwa Music and Storytelling will be performed at the Fine Arts Center Recital Hall at 7:30 p.m.