The Sakura Salon Concert is an intimate springtime gathering celebrating Japanese and East Asian musical traditions through chamber music, traditional instruments, and contemporary compositions. Presented in a private Chelsea residence, the program brings together violin, viola, cello, clarinet, koto, shamisen, and erhu in a refined salon setting.
Centered on themes of spring, memory, and cultural dialogue, the concert features works inspired by cherry blossoms, beloved Japanese songs, and poetic landscapes. Contemporary Japanese composers Madoka Mori and Yui Kitamura are highlighted alongside newly arranged classics, culminating in a cross-cultural finale that bridges Japanese and Chinese musical expression.
Paired with curated sake tasting and light Japanese cuisine, the afternoon invites guests to experience music not only as a performance, but as a shared cultural and social moment. The concert also serves as a warm celebration of NACMS pianist Kelly’s birthday, bringing together artists, friends, and community in the spirit of renewal and connection.
Location: Shihan and Daniel’s Residence (exact location will be shared after registration)
Date: April 18, 2026
Time: 2:00 PM – 5:00 PM
Ticket: $80/person (Member price: $60)
What to expect
2:00 PM
Guest Check-In & Welcome
Sake Tasting
2:30–3:30 PM
Sakura Salon Concert
3:30–5:00 PM
Light Japanese Food, Sake & Social Gathering
Musicians
Keiko Tokunga – Violin
Andy Lin – Viola / Erhu
Yoko Reikano Kimura – Koto / Shamisen
Angeline Kiang – Cello
Yu-Ting Cheng – Clarinet
Kelly Lin – Piano
Yui Kitamura – Composer / Arranger
Madoka Mori – Composer / Arranger
Concert Program
Madoka Mori
Sakura for Koto and String Trio (5’)
Koto, Violin, Viola, Cello
Yumi Matsutoya (Japan, arr. for chamber ensemble)
Haru yo, Koi for Koto, Violin, and Cello (5’)
Koto, Violin, Cello
Yui Kitamura
Red Dragon – “Akatombo” for Piano Quartet (5’)
Violin, Viola, Cello, Piano
Yui Kitamura
Camellia (Pink – Longing for You) (5’)
Clarinet, Violin, Viola, Cello
Yui Kitamura
Japanese Song Medley Shabondama – Yurikagono Uta – Furusato (6’)
Clarinet, Violin, Viola, Cello
Yui Kitamura
Haruga Kita Spring Has Come (6’)
Clarinet and Piano
Rain on River South (雨碎江南) (4’)
Erhu and Koto