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LA's 33 Strings
三十三絃の会
Newsletter #7 |
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Performance at Chiho Harazaki's Exhibition on 8/16 |
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We were very honored to be invited to perform at Chiho Harazaki's art exhibition opening at LA Artcore. Through the powerful stories shared by internment camp survivors, we listened, learned, and reflected on the lives of Japanese Americans during WWII. It was a moving experience, and we were really honored to be part of such an important gathering for the community.
While playing Japanese music is joyful, we are also reminded that it is also an ongoing practice of learning, respecting, and being part of the contexts of where, how, and by whom this particular art form has been developed, practiced, and appreciated. Again, it was such an honor to be invited to the event, and we'll keep working hard to learn this beautiful music and keep sharing it to the world!
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Upcoming Events
LA's 33 Strings 1st Annual Fundraiser
We are holding our first annual fundraiser event as LA's 33 Strings!
Please come out to support our group and our mission.
There will be a concert, guest performers, a silent auction, refreshments, and more!
Date: Saturday, October 11, 2025
Time: 6:30 PM - 9:00 PM (Doors Open 6:00 PM)
Location: Neighborhood Unitarian Universalist Church
301 N Orange Grove Blvd, Pasadena, CA 91103
What to expect
- Live performances by members of LA’s 33 Strings
- Guest Performances
- Silent Auction
- Opportunity to try playing the koto and shamisen
- Community gathering and refreshments with artists and supporters
- Opportunities to directly support the ensemble’s mission through donations and sponsorships
Ticket Prices
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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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🤩 Member Highlights 🤩
Oliver Muco Nicholson
Oliver Muco Nicholson is a singer, songwriter and composer of British-Burundian heritage, originally from London, U.K. His work is inspired by a love of language and storytelling.
Oliver studied composition and performance at California Institute of the Arts. In his second year, he joined LA's 33 Strings, led by Kozue Matsumoto, and began studying the koto. He quickly fell in love with the instrument. Playing with the ensemble throughout LA at galleries, community centres, and educational and cultural institutions nurtured his passion for folk music and the creative use of traditional instruments.
In his third year, he undertook an independent study with Kozue. With her guidance, he began to incorporate the sound of the koto into his original compositions as well as to develop ideas about digitally affecting the sound of the koto in real-time.
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Oliver’s recent work focuses on the interpretation of medieval folk songs and poetry accompanied by the ‘inanga’, a traditional zither from Burundi, which he also shares in a series on social media. He blends the sounds of the koto, autoharp, inanga, viola, and his own voice to create compositions which are lyrical and imaginative. These pieces feature lyrics in Old, Middle, and Modern English, as well as French, Swahili, and Kirundi, reflecting his deep interest in the interconnection of folk traditions across cultures.
Oliver’s journey with LA's 33 Strings has been fundamental to developing his musical and personal voice as an artist. He relishes every opportunity being part of the ensemble provides to engage with cultural learning, knowledge and community.
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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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