Okinawan National Treasure sings at legendary Carnegie Hall

Okinawan National Treasure sings at legendary Carnegie Hall

Choichi Terukina (center) delivers his powerful voice in Shukkee Bushi, accompanied by his students on the sanshin, at New York City’s Carnegie Hall on April 18.


April 20, 2019 Ryukyu Shimpo
By Naoki Isa, New York

The Ryukyu Koten Afuso Ryu Ongaku Kenkyuu Choichi Kai USA (The Afuso School Style of Classical Ryukyu Music Association) and its president, Grant Sadami Murata, presented “TOBE! Uta Sanshin in NY” at the Carnegie Hall in New York City, on the evening of April 18.

The Choichi Kai studies the teachings of Choichi Terukina, 87, who was designated a Living National Treasure for his work in classical Ryukyuan music.

The event celebrated Terukina’s 88th lunar birthday, a milestone in Okinawan culture known as beiju.

According to the Choichi Kai’s USA chapter, it was the first time an Okinawan group performed solo at the legendary Carnegie Hall, showcasing Ryukyuan performance in an ethnically and culturally diverse global metropolis.

Carnegie hall comprises three venues.

Some 120 students from the U.S., Okinawa and Japan performed at the Zankel Hall, which is designed for chamber concerts.

An audience of approximately 400, including Okinawan descendants and New York residents, enjoyed the show.

Terukina opened the show with Chōja nu Ufushu, a traditional wedding dance, with his students in tow.

For the last number, he sang the Shukkee Bushi, accompanied by his students on the sanshin.

The artist said post show, “I am thrilled I got to perform Ryukyuan music in a global city like New York.

The event was a success, thanks in part to the Kenjinkai (Okinawan Association).”

(English translation by T&CT and Monica Shingaki)

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