The koto, a plucked string instrument first mentioned as early as the 6th century, captivates with its gracefully curved body and its remarkably flexible tuning system: each of its 25 strings rests on a movable white bridge, allowing the pitch to be adjusted with precision and ease.

On 29 March 2026, Karin Nakagawa will perform a koto concert as part of the Imago Dei festival. Since the age of twelve, she has studied with outstanding teachers, among them the legendary koto virtuoso Keiko Nosaka. Nakagawa’s music blends traditional Japanese sound worlds with influences from jazz, funk, and blues—at times driving and rhythmic, at times flowing freely as her hands glide in improvisation across the strings. Elements of nature and extra-musical inspirations also find their way into her compositions. Central to her artistic approach is the Japanese concept of “Ma”—a “space” that connects rather than separates—as well as silence, which she considers an essential part of musical experience.

Born in the Japanese prefecture of Ibaraki, Nakagawa performed at the 2024 Nobel Peace Prize ceremony. In 2026, she and her partner, cinematographer and artistic dramaturge Manfred Bernard, will spend several weeks in Krems as Artists in Residence, creating new works and concepts—including the selection for this concert.

Sunday, 29 March 2026, 6:00 PM
Presented by: Imago Dei
Tickets: Full price € 31