Japan's premier guitarist touches down

By Diana Freundl
CONTRIBUTING REPORTER
Friday, Mar 19, 2004, Page 18

Liu Shih-yu will join his mentor, Shin-ichi Fukuda, in a ``duel'' between two guitarists in Faure's Dolly Suite in an upcoming concert at the Taipei National Recital Hall. PHOTO COURTESY OF LIU SHIH-YU

A familiar face to lovers of classical guitar music in Taiwan, and likewise around the world, Japanese guitarist Shin-ichi Fukuda returns briefly this week to serenade his fans.

Drawing inspiration from a broad array of musicians, ranging from Baroque to contemporary composers, Fukuda will bring his guitar to the stage for in a concert performance entitled Guitar Sonatas of the 20th to 21st Century.

An experienced performer on the international circuit, the instrumentalist has amassed a large following in Taiwan where he plays sold out shows nearly every year. Similarly Fukuda has also become a highly sought-after tutor, accumulating a number of private students.

"He is one of the most important guitarists in Japan right now and a special guest at many international guitar festivals. But he is also a great teacher willing to promote young guitarists and help them in their music careers," said Liu Shih-yu (劉士堉), an aspiring Taiwanese guitarist and student of Fukuda.

Renowned Japanese guitarist Shin-ichi Fukuda brings his guitar to Taipei for a single performance of Guitar Sonatas of the 20th to 21st Century.

In a special guest appearance, Shih-yu will join his mentor of 10 years for a duet performance of the Dolly Suite by French composer Gabriel Faure.

Having studied classical guitar since the age of 12, Fukuda's musical training comprises a number of years studying in Italy and France where he was honored with awards in both the Carpentras (France) and Gargnano (Italy) International Guitar Competitions.

In addition to his solo recitals and orchestral appearances, Fukuda has at times expanded his instrumental repertoire to be joined on stage by vocal accompanists. In an assortment that includes everything from chamber music to tango and contemporary jazz, respected musicians have also composed pieces specifically for Fukuda including Keigo Fujii's The Rose Labyrinth and Leo Brouwer's In Memoriam of Toru Takemitsu, both of which will be performed at the upcoming

concert.

Fukuda's musicianship however is best illustrated by the fact he has released more than 40 albums. Internationally acclaimed -- and with a back catalogue nearly as long as that of Frank Zappa (who boasts a hefty 74 albums) -- Fukuda is most renowned for his live performances.

"His performing style is unique. It's a combination of the music he plays and his body language -- the way he moves to the music -- the audience always enjoys his show," Shih-yu said.

Performance notes:
Where: Shin-ichi Fukuda will perform at The National Recital Hall (°ê®aºt«µÆU) in Taipei March 25 and then at in Kaoshung (°ª¶‾­µ¼ÖÀ]) on March 26. The National Recital Hall is at 21-1, Zhongshan S Rd, Taipei (¥x¥_¥«¤¤¤s«n¸ô21-1¸¹).

How much:Tickets range in price from NT$350 to NT$600.

For additional information and tickets contact the Taipei Genesis Chamber Orchestra at (02) 2822 9228.