Festival 2002

Music From Japan Festival 2002 was marked by the organization's first endeavor in Tennessee. The gagaku group, Ensemble Harena, made its North American debut at the Middle Tennessee State University premiering Kikuko Massumoto's "Divertimento." This MFJ commission for the tour was also played in Washington, DC, New York City and Toronto. The Festival New York featured composer Akira Nishimura, including a newly commissioned 90-minute piano work premiered by the virtuosic Aki Takahashi.