

Masako
Art
Harps of the 14th-19th centuries, single-row Renaissance harp with snare hooks
Roots
I was born in Japan, in Kyoto.
Study
I studied at the Schola Cantorum Basiliensis with Crawford Young and Heidrun Rosenzweig. I then continued my studies at the Civica Scuola di Musica Claudio Abbado in Milan with Mara Galassi.
Professional
I play music from the 14th to the middle of the 19th century. I play music from the 14th century to the middle of the 19th century on historical instruments and teach harp and ear training.
Why
Before I came to Europe, I worked in offices. Now I am very grateful that I can finance my living with my passion and with teaching – and I strive to become better and better at it.
Elective Affinities
An important book for me, “Genes, Peoples and Languages.” by Luigi Luca Cavalli-Sforza. CDs I particularly like: “Chansonnier Cordiforme“ by Consort of Music and “Haydn, Complete Sonatas“ by Geoffrey Lancaster. I also love food from Central Asia and old bicycles.
Something else
Sometimes I wonder how the music industry will change in the coming years and decades. How many music students will actually perform professionally? How will we continue to make and release music when much of it is consumed via streaming? How will travel and affluent lifestyles be affected by the climate crisis? And how will we continue the traditional culture of learning and listening to music?
I don’t have definitive answers to that, but I think we’re on the verge of a paradigm shift.
2025
February
La Contenance françoise
A cappella in Binchois' timeBarfüsserkirche
Historical Museum Basel
March
Daheim bei Milán & Galilei
Lute parcours IIHaus zum Kirschgarten
Historiscal Museum Basel
April
A Company of Violins
Birth of a new instrument familyBarfüsserkirche
Historical Museum Basel
September
Festival 2025 «ARCADIA»
2. ReRenaissance FestivalBasel, Martinskirche