Concerts of the Japanese Musical Group "hanamas" in Georgia

Tbilisi

Date: 30 October (Wed.)　　19:00

Venue: Ivane Javakhishvili Tbilisi State University, Event Hall

Address：1, Chavchavadze Ave.

Kutaisi

Date: 31 November (Fri.)　19:00

Venue: Meliton Balanchivadze Kutaisi Opera and Ballet Professional Theater

Address: 17, St. Nino str.

Batumi

Date: 3 November (Sun.)　　19:00

Venue: Batumi Art Centre

Address: 1, Odissey Dimitriadi str..

＊＊＊All the concerts are addmission free＊＊＊

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● About "hanamas"

Japanese-Western Unit was formed in 2009 by Chie Hanawa (tsugaru-shamisen player) & Natsumi Okimasu (violinist). Graduated from Tokyo University of the Arts, both have been playing active roles in a variety of music genres. Within their pop sounds and melodies, "hanamas" is making the most of characteristics of each instruments, and, at the same time, fusing them. Awarded the Prize for Encouragement at 1st Neo Classical International Competition in 2010. In 2011, "hanamas" was officially licensed as a "Heaven Artist" by the Tokyo Metropolitan Government.

Chie Hanawa (Tsugaru-shamisen Player)

Chie Hanawa is actively performing at live concerts, TV and Radio in Japan. She also performed overseas, including concerts at Carnegie Hall in New York, at International Advertising Festival (Cannes Lions), at Music Festival in Malaysia etc. In 2000, she became the youngest winner at Japan Tsugaru-shamisen National Competition. In 2005, she graduated from Department of Traditional Japanese Music, Tokyo University of the Arts. She made her first recording "Tsuki no Usagi (Moon Rabbit)" for Columbia Music Entertainment in Japan.

Natsumi Okimasu (Violinist)

Natsumi Okimasu graduated from Department of Instrumental Music (Violin), Tokyo University of the Arts. During her study at University, she formed an instrumental unit called "para-e-sola" with Ryo-hei (keyboard), released CD and performed at live concerts in Tokyo. In April 2007, she became a member of classical music group "Dualis" and started playing at world cruise and got high reputations for her shows of new genre called "New Classic."

The Embassy of Japan would like to express its gratitude for supporting this event to the Ministry of Culture and Monument Protection of Georgia, Ministry of Education, Culture and Sport of Ajara Autonomous Republic, Local Self Government of Kutaisi, Ivane Javakhishvili Tbilisi State University, Meliton Balanchivadze Kutaisi Opera and Ballet Professional Theater and Batumi Musical Center.

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