Immerse yourself in the fascinating world of Koto: Free workshop in Berlin

Immerse yourself in the fascinating world of Koto: Free workshop in Berlin

The Volkshochschule Marzahn-Hellersdorf presents an exclusive event for all music and culture lovers: a Koto lecture and workshop with the renowned Japanese Ritsuko Takeyama.
On September 21, 2024, visitors have the opportunity from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. to immerse themselves in the fascinating world of Japanese music and culture. The venue is the artotheque of the district central library “Mark Twain” in Berlin.

Ms. Ritsuko Takeyama, a virtuoso master of traditional Japanese music, will shed light on the history and cultural meaning of the Koto in her lecture. The Koto is a traditional Japanese string instrument with 13 strings that has a unique sound and a special charisma. The participants have the unique opportunity to experience this instrument up close and enjoy its sounds.

After the lecture, visitors have the chance to take part in a workshop to try the Koto themselves and to learn more about playing technology. The workshop offers an interactive and educational experience for all participants who want to dive deeper into the world of Japanese music.

Entry to this event is free of charge, but prior registration is required because the number of participants is limited. Interested parties can register with the course number MH4.10-900-H via the VHS course sports, the service office of the Volkshochschule Marzahn-Hellersdorf or directly in the district central library “Mark Twain”.

For further questions and information, the service office of the Volkshochschule Marzahn-Hellersdorf is available by email or by phone at (030) 90293-2590. This special event promises a unique way to experience the fascinating world of Japanese music and culture up close. Immerse yourself and be enchanted by the sounds of the Koto!

Historical Parallels:
A historical event that could commemorate the event in the art library of the district central library “Mark Twain” is the spread of Japanese culture in Germany during the Expo ’70, the first world exhibition in Japan. At that time, many Europeans were confronted with traditional Japanese music and art for the first time, similar to how it will be the case at the event in Marzahn-Hellersdorf. Despite the temporal and spatial differences, there is a connection between openness to new cultural experiences in the past and the present, which shapes both events.

Background Information:
The choice of organizing a lecture on the Koto in the district central library “Mark Twain” in Marzahn-Hellersdorf reflects the endeavor to promote the variety of cultural offers in Berlin. Marzahn-Hellersdorf is known for its cultural diversity and openness to new cultural influences. The Marzahn-Hellersdorf adult education center is actively committed to enabling intercultural encounters and promoting understanding of other cultures. This event is another step in this direction and offers the participants the opportunity to get to know Japanese music and culture better.

statistics and data:
According to a current survey by the Federal Ministry of Education and Research, students in Germany show growing interest in intercultural events and workshops. In particular, participation in cultural events from different countries, such as the lecture on the Koto in the art library of the district central library “Mark Twain”, is becoming increasingly popular. This development reflects the increasing wish of the population for intercultural exchange and cultural diversity.