The Sanctuary on the Green Arts, Cultural and Community Alliance (SOGA), in partnership with Vox Novus, welcomed ‘Tokyo to New York’ to Bloomfield’s historic Sanctuary on the Green for a musical journey across cultures on Sunday, October 13, 2024.
This landmark event marked the New Jersey debut of the critically acclaimed international series that has captivated audiences in both Tokyo and New York for years. Known for its eclectic and boundary-crossing musical selections, the series has found a new home in the heart of Bloomfield, embracing the town’s rich cultural and artistic heritage.
The performance featured clarinetist and hichiriki player Thomas Piercy, cellist Daniel Hass, and pianist Marina Iwao. The program featured a rich selection of music that spans continents and styles, from Beethoven’s timeless classics to contemporary works by Yuxuan Lin, Dalit Warshaw, Daniel Hass and more.
“We are thrilled to be hosting the first-ever New Jersey performance of ‘Tokyo to New York,’” said Danny Leo, SOGA Program Chair. “This series has resonated with audiences in major cultural hubs across the globe, and we’re excited to offer this internationally renowned program in our local community. It’s a unique opportunity to connect global sounds with the local heartbeat of Bloomfield.”
“Tokyo to New York” was founded with the mission of bridging Eastern and Western musical traditions, and has grown into a celebrated platform for both emerging and established composers and performers. Each performance in the series highlights a blend of classical masterpieces and contemporary works that reflect the diverse cultural influences of Tokyo and New York.
About the Performers:
Thomas Piercy (clarinet, hichiriki) is a critically acclaimed musician with orchestral, concerto, solo recitals nd chamber music appearances throughout the Americas, Europe and Asia. Described by The New York Times as, “Brilliant… playing with refinement and flair… evoking a panache in the contemporary works…” Mr. Piercy presents to audiences a varied and exciting program of standard classical music, jazz-inspired programs, contemporary works, his own original compositions and collaborations, and pieces written specifically for him by some of today’s most outstanding composers, including Ned Rorem, Sir Richard Rodney Bennett, Jennifer Higdon, Fernando Otero, and Shoichi Yabuta.
Daniel Hass (cellist) has built an impressive career that encompasses a diverse range of pursuits, genres and achievements. He has performed as a soloist with orchestras across Canada, the United States and Europe; he has been commissioned by the Glenn Bould Foundation, Random Access Music, Tribeca New Music, and the Revolve Dance Program; he has received awards and grants from institutions such as the Stulberg Competition, the Canada Council for the Arts, and the Sylva Gelber Foundation.
Marina Iwao (pianist) is a dedicated chamber musician, born in Japan, and now actively performing in the East Coast. Her diverse repertoire, ranging from classical to contemporary music, has been showcased in prestigious venues including Weill Carnegie Hall, Markin Concert Hall, and Across Fukuoka Symphony Hall. Marina has had the honor of collaborating with renowned musicians such as Frank Morelli, David Shifrin, Koichiro Yamamoto, and Quatuor Debussy.
About Vox Novus:
Vox Novus is an organization devoted to the promotion of contemporary composers and performers. Through its innovative programming, Vox Novus seeks to expand the reach of new music and build connections between artists across the globe.
About SOGA:
The Sanctuary on the Green Arts, Cultural and Community Alliance (SOGA), a New Jersey non-profit, a 501(c)(3) organization, comprises committed volunteers from Bloomfield and neighboring towns. Their mission in conjunction with the Bloomfield Presbyterian Church on the Green, is to conserve, renovate, and rejuvenate the Sanctuary on the Green. Their collective goal is to preserve the sanctity of this space while transforming it into a vibrant hub for arts, culture, and community engagement.