The Japan Foundation, Toronto presents AGA-SHIO, a piano and Tsugaru shamisen duo that blends the passionate energy of Japanese folk music together with contemporary music, creating an entirely new form of Japanese music. The unit “AGA-SHIO” was formed by Hiromitsu Agatsuma and Satoru Shionoya aiming at fusing eastern and western instruments; Tsugaru Shamisen - a Japanese traditional three strings’ lute- and piano.

Hiromitsu Agatsuma began playing the Tsugaru-shamisen at age six. He won in numerous competitions, becoming a renowned performer in the traditional Japanese music scene since his youth. His reputation grew as he incorporated genres such as jazz and rock into his music, and made his major debut in 2001.

Satoru Shionoya studied music composition at Tokyo University of the Arts. While he was still a student he started his 10-year career as the pianist of the Japanese salsa band Orquesta De La Luz (1986-1996). The group won the United Nations Peace Medal in 1993 and was a U.S. Grammy Award nominee in 1995. During this time, he performed with Tito Puente, Dave Valentin and Santana.


Join the event on Facebook here.