An innovative musician, Yumi Kurosawa began studying the Koto at the age of three with her parents in Morioka and later under the renowned koto player Nanae Yoshimura. 　In 2002, Yumi moved to New York to collaborate with various genres of musicians and artists. She has appeared at Apollo Sound Stage, Joe's Pub, and Carnegie Hall. 　Her first CD Beginning of a Journey features her own compositions. Kurosawa has appeared as the soloist for the world premiere of "Koto Concerto: Genji," by composer Daron Hagen in the quintet version with the Lark Quartet in New York and the orchestral version with the Orchestra of the Swan in Stratford-Upon-Avon, U.K. She currently has been playing her own compositions that include computer sounds along with traditional and contemporary pieces by other composers.

Co-sponsored by the Earlham Japan Study Program.