Dressed in traditional kimono and a fascinating headgear, she appears other-worldly. Except she is not. Madam Keiko Koma is the direct descendant of the ancient kingdom called Koguryo in East Asia famous for it creative traditions and glorious past. Keiko Koma inherits the rich poetic pursuits of Koguryo kings. Come December 2, and the ruins of Purana Qila will resuscitate the old kingdom. when Keiko Kama along with pianist Idaki Shin will present “Legends of Koguryo Rediscovered”, a concert dedicated to global peace.
“We will weave stories and legends of the culture and lives lived before with Japanese music and poetry. Our lives are connected with the past and lives of our ancestors. Nothing in this world is exclusive. The present needs to mingle with past. Unity is essential for peace. We have used artistic means to put across this idea,” says Keiko Koma. Koma visits various parts of the world every year and creates unique poems as messages of heaven, earth and human civilisations in the past, present and future.
The concert in India is in a joint collaboration between Indian Council of Cultural Relations (ICCR), Joy James Educational Trust, which works in field of poverty upliftment and child development and NPO KOMA, a NGO run by Keiko Koma.
Talking about her India tour, Keiko Koma adds, “I have always been able to connect with India’s passion for cultural harmony and peace. Our concert has been greatly received in countries like Lebanon, Georgia, Iran, Armenia, Russia, Syria and many others. We hope to create positive response here as well.”
The concert will also see the participation of children from Joybell school, run by Joy James Educational Trust. Koma has herself designed their costumes in the style of Kimono.
Koma’s poems and Idaki Shin’s music compositions will imbue the air in a bid to promote harmonious living. Excited at the prospect of bringing this unique musical peace movement to India, pianist Idaki Shin says, “I am thrilled about bringing our concert to the land that recognised its foundation in the theory of non-violence. India will be one of the most interesting chapters yet.” Shin’s music will be an improvisation responding to Koma’s poetic narration. Alongside a special video screening will present the background of poems.
“If you look around, life is becoming chaotic worldwide. Our concert in Delhi is designed to help people experience liberation from agony and dubious mind. During our concert, we will try to fill the ambience with positive light that will diffuse to every corner in the world,” adds Shin.