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Spring Sounds, Spring Seas

Michio Miyagi (arr. James Nyoraku Schlefer)
Haru no Umi Redux

James Nyoraku Schlefer 
Shakuhachi Concerto

Daron Aric Hagen
Koto Concerto “Genji” (David Curtis, conductor)

Orchestra of the Swan
Kenneth Woods and David Curtis, conductors
James Nyoraku Schlefer- shakuhachi
Yumi Kurosawa- koto

Recorded May 26-28, 2011, Civic Hall, Stratford-upon-Avon
Produced by Gary Cole
Engineered by Steve Swindon
Releasing Summer 2012

MSR Records

Critical Reaction

 “Recording of the Year, 2012 “An accessible introduction to the timbral and expressive capabilities of the traditional shakuhachi and the 20-string koto, as interpreted by contemporary, but decidedly audience-friendly, American composers also employing normal occidental forces. Recordings as arresting and entertaining as either composer could wish for. Sound quality throughout very good indeed, warm and well balanced. Five stars” 
MusicWeb International

“The finale, a rondo, moves the goalposts substantially, juxtaposing varied, rhythmic sections against the delicacy of the preceding two movements. The Swan Orchestra comes into its own here; Schlefer is a fine player throughout, and his own best advocate. This is memorable music in fine performances.”
Fanfare Magazine

“The Orchestra of the Swan, a British chamber orchestra, plays with expressive understatement. The warm recording, at a concert, has all the qualities of a studio production. East-West fusions seem immune to the struggles of the classical music scene. This engaging album shows why.”
American Record Guide