Sumie Kaneko + Fumi Tanakadate

Spiral Music presents acoustic music every Wednesday evening at the base of the Museum’s spiral staircase. Artists who specialize in music from the Himalayas and South Asia are invited to forge a connection between their music and the art in the galleries.

About the Musicians

Sumie Kaneko is a Japanese koto and shamisen player as well as a singer/songwriter, known for her pioneering chromatic use of the instruments. Her musical projects include blending Japanese traditional elements with jazz improvisation.

Fumi Tanakadateis a taiko artist and pianist native to Japan and currently based in New York. Drawn to the artistry of Kaoru Watanabe, she has been studying taiko under him since 2011. Having an extensive training in European Classical music and a background in traditional folk dancing, drumming, and flute playing from her local festival in Japan, she became a member of Néo, Watanabe’s new ensemble that binds the nostalgic sound of Japanese traditional festival and theater and the interplay of complex jazz improvisations. She holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in earth and environmental sciences from Wesleyan University and a Master of Music degree in piano performance from Manhattan School of Music.