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LA's 33 Strings
三十三絃の会
Announcement! |
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Hello!
We’re thrilled to introduce the guest artists joining us for our October concert (see details below)! We're incredibly excited to have them with us to make the evening truly special. We can’t wait to play music with them!
Rachel Rudich
After a performance at REDCAT, at the Walt Disney Concert Hall in Los Angeles, the Los Angeles Times said, “the extended contributions by Rachel Rudich on shakuhachi were at once inventive and atmospheric,” Rachel performs often with her shakuhachi and koto duo, Hana Hibiki with koto player Kozue Matsumoto, and has recorded shakuhachi for TV and video games, as well as diverse genres such as horror movies and even country western bands. Some highlights have been recording sessions for the TV series Kobra Kai, and the video game League of Legends. With Kozue Matsumoto, she co-directed the CalArts Japan Ensemble from 2019-2023.
Rachel’s early teachers on the shakuhachi were Masakazu Yoshizawa and Bill Shozan Schultz in Los Angeles, and for the past 15 years she has studied with Kaoru Kakizakai.
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Rachel spent two months in Japan during the spring of 2012 for extensive study of and performances on the shakuhachi and was in Japan in 2018 for further research, study, and performing a solo concert in Tokyo of pieces for shakuhachi and electronics by American composers.
Rachel’s 45+ year career as a western flute player specializing in contemporary music opened her eyes to extended techniques, Japanese music, and eventually to the shakuhachi. Her more than 40 published CDs on flute can be explored, and more information found at www.rachelrudich.com.
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Wells Leng
Wells Leng (1994-) is a performer/composer/improviser based in Los Angeles. Having graduated from USC with a BM in Composition and a BA in Piano Performance and CalArts with an MFA in the Performer-Composer program, they have studied composition with Donald Crockett, Brian Head, Andrew Norman, Frank Ticheli, Andrew McIntosh, and Nicholas Deyoe; piano with Antoinette Perry and Vicki Ray; cello with Erika Duke-Kirkpatrick.
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As both a performer and composer, Wells has collaborated with many other artists all over the world. An active member of the LA taiko community, they have worked closely with prominent artists such as San Jose Taiko, Kris Bergstrom, Isaku Kageyama, Shoji Kameda, as well as other musicians specializing in Japanese music; Kozue Matsumoto and Rachel Rudich. Wells is part of House on Fire Trio, and has performed in such venues as Carnegie Hall, REDCAT Theater, Aratani Theatre, among others. Aside from playing taiko, cello, and piano, Wells is also an amateur player of several other instruments. Wells is currently the associate music director and collaborative keyboardist at Neighborhood Unitarian Universalist Church.
Ritsuko
Ritsuko was born and raised in Japan, starting her piano lessons at the age of 4. She continued her studies for several years before her passion shifted to rock music. Growing up with a spirit of curiosity, she embraced the philosophy "You won't know unless you try." As a typical teenager eager for independence, she left Japan at 17, despite her parents’ disapproval. After spending many years in the United States, she gained a deeper appreciation for Japanese culture and traditions from an external perspective.
In 2014, Ritsuko began her taiko journey at LATI (Los Angeles Taiko Institute) at Asano Taiko, U.S., diving deeper into this vibrant cultural art form. Alongside her passion for archery, Japanese martial arts, and surfing, she occasionally performs with Mujo Dream Flight and also teaches Team Taiko as a substitute instructor at the Grand Vision Foundation in San Pedro.
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🎭 LA's 33 Strings 1st Annual Fundraising Concert
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LOS ANGELES, CA – LA’s 33 Strings, a nonprofit dedicated to preserving and sharing the beauty of Japanese music, announces a special fundraising event featuring a concert performance and community gathering. The event will be held at Neighborhood Unitarian Universalist Church (301 N. Orange Grove Blvd., Pasadena, CA 91103) on October 11, 2025 from 6:30 PM to 9:00 PM. |
This unique evening will highlight the ensemble’s mission of connecting communities through the artistry of koto and shamisen music, while raising critical funds to support upcoming performances, educational workshops, and outreach programs.
“We are excited to invite the community to not only enjoy the music we love, but also to help us sustain and grow our work.” - Sarah Quon, Chair/President of LA’s 33 Strings Attendees will enjoy:
- Live performances by members of LA’s 33 Strings
- Guest Performances
- Silent Auction
- Opportunity to try learning the koto and shamisen
- Community gathering and refreshments with artists and supporters
- Opportunities to directly support the ensemble’s mission through donations and sponsorships
Event Details:
- Event: LA’s 33 Strings 1st Annual Fundraiser
- Date: Saturday, October 11, 2025
- Time: Doors open at 6:00 PM, Performances begin at 6:30 PM, Food/Refreshments at 8:00 PM
- Location: Neighborhood Unitarian Universalist Church (301 N. Orange Grove Blvd., Pasadena, CA 91103
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Admission:
- Audience: All ages welcome
This performance and fundraiser is part of an ongoing effort to promote and introduce cross-cultural appreciation of the arts through traditional and modern Japanese music.
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🛒 Our Online Store Is Live! 🛒
LA's 33 String's online store is now live! We have t-shirts, tote bags, stickers, key Shipping and tax are already included in the listed prices. All proceeds will go to to maintaining our organization and our instruments.
Please visit our online store at https://www.33strings.org/shop.
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Ways to Support & Get Involved
LA’s 33 Strings Ensemble is dedicated to preserving and sharing the beauty of Japanese music, but we can’t do it alone! Your support helps us continue our mission in many ways.
🌸 Make a Donation
Your generosity allows us to:
- Purchase and maintain traditional instruments
- Organize performances, workshops, and cultural events
- Cover event travel expenses and venue costs
- Support educational programs, etc.
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Every contribution, big or small, makes a difference!
👉 Donate today at www.33strings.org/donate
🎶 Learn & Play
Interested in learning the koto, shamisen, or bass koto? Join our weekly group practice at San Fernando Valley Japanese American Community Center in Pacoima, and/or take private lessons with our instructor Kozue.
📩 Email us at info@33strings.org to learn more!
📸 Volunteer Opportunities
Love music and want to contribute your skills? We’re always looking for:
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- Photographers – Capture our events and performances
- Videographers – Record and document our musical journey
- Video Editors – Edit event footage for our website & social media
- Graphic Designers – Help create posters, newsletters, and web content
- Merchandise Specialists – Assist with designing and producing 33 Strings merch
- Social Media Promoters – Help spread the word about our events and programs
- Event Helpers – Support us with setup, logistics, and community engagement
Have other skills to offer? We’d love to hear from you!
📩 Contact us at info@33strings.org
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Thank you for reading! If you have some ideas for us or any questions, please do not hesitate to contact us. We are always happy to hear from you!
Email: info@33strings.org
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