Koto musician Mitsuki Dazai moved to Oregon in 2002 bringing along her reknowned skill on koto and 17 string bass koto. A graduate of Kunitachi College of Music in Tokyo, she majored in western classical music until she rediscovered and subsequently studied Japanese koto music at Sawai Koto Conservatory in Tokyo. Mitsuki returns for a summer koto concert at Epworth United Methodist Church, 1333 SE 28th Ave., Saturday, August 17 at 7:30 pm. The recital includes both traditional and contemporary music on her solo koto, two duets with accomplished violinist, Tylor Neist, and one ensemble piece featuring Mitsuki’s own group Oregon Koto-kai,
 The traditional koto arrived in Japan from Central or Eastern parts of Asia over a thousand years ago. The Koto has 13 strings, with each string having its own dedicated and moveable bridge. The strings (originally silk, now dacron) are stretched across a bridgework on a sound board of Asian Paulownia wood. Three finger picks of ivory along with bare finger picking bring forth the exquisite voice of the koto.
Tickets are $15 and reservations are recommended by Thursday, August 15. Mitsuki’s last Portland concert was standing room so make reservations soon at kotomelodies@gmail.com or 541.513.6417. Church parking is reserved for church members and seniors/handicaps only, but there are ample spaces in the neighborhood.