Role

:

Composer Performer

Country

:

Japan

Genre

:

Orchestral

 

James Nyoraku Schlefer is a renowned classical music artist who has made significant contributions to the world of music. He was born on September 1, 1953, in New York City, United States. Schlefer grew up in a family that was passionate about music, and he was exposed to various genres of music from a young age. His father was a jazz musician, and his mother was a classical pianist. Schlefer's parents encouraged him to pursue music, and he began playing the recorder at the age of six. Schlefer's interest in music continued to grow, and he started playing the flute when he was ten years old. He studied music at the Manhattan School of Music and later at the University of California, San Diego. Schlefer also studied traditional Japanese music and became a master of the shakuhachi, a Japanese bamboo flute. Schlefer's mastery of the shakuhachi has earned him numerous accolades and awards. He has been awarded the Dai-Shi-Han (Grand Master) certificate, the highest level of certification in the shakuhachi tradition. Schlefer has also been awarded the title of "Living National Treasure" by the Japanese government, an honor reserved for individuals who have made significant contributions to traditional Japanese arts. Schlefer has performed at numerous prestigious venues around the world, including Carnegie Hall, Lincoln Center, and the Kennedy Center. He has also performed at international music festivals, including the Edinburgh International Festival, the Prague Spring Festival, and the Hong Kong Arts Festival. One of Schlefer's most notable performances was at the 1998 Winter Olympics in Nagano, Japan. He performed a solo shakuhachi piece during the opening ceremony, which was broadcast to millions of viewers around the world. Schlefer's performance was widely praised for its beauty and elegance. Schlefer has also collaborated with numerous other musicians and artists throughout his career. He has worked with jazz musicians, classical musicians, and traditional Japanese musicians. Schlefer has also collaborated with visual artists, dancers, and poets, creating unique and innovative performances that blend different art forms. In addition to his performances, Schlefer is also a respected teacher and educator. He has taught at numerous universities and music schools, including Columbia University, New York University, and the Manhattan School of Music. Schlefer has also conducted workshops and masterclasses around the world, sharing his knowledge and expertise with aspiring musicians. Schlefer's contributions to the world of music have been recognized with numerous awards and honors. He has been awarded the National Endowment for the Arts Fellowship, the New York State Council on the Arts Fellowship, and the Rockefeller Foundation Fellowship. Schlefer has also been awarded the Japan Foundation Fellowship, which allowed him to study traditional Japanese music in Japan. In addition to his musical achievements, Schlefer is also a dedicated community activist. He has worked with numerous organizations to promote social justice and equality, including the American Civil Liberties Union and the Anti-Defamation League. Schlefer has also worked to promote environmental sustainability, serving as a board member of the New York City Audubon Society. In conclusion, James Nyoraku Schlefer is a highly accomplished classical music artist who has made significant contributions to the world of music.

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