ON ENSEMBLE WITH GUEST ARTIST SUMIE KANEKO AND KAORU WATANABE On Ensemble is at the forefront of a growing artistic movement in the taiko world. Recognized as relentless innovators, On Ensemble has made a name for itself by infusing the powerful rhythms of taiko with overtone singing, odd meter grooves and soaring melodies. Their fearless musical explorations have taken the ancient instruments of taiko into new realms and have established a distinctly modern expression for the art form. On Ensemble shares this program with Sumie Kaneko and Kaoru Watanabe. Sumie Kaneko Japanese Koto & Shamisen Player, Singer Songwriter and Producer Sumie Kaneko has been recognized as a pioneer by her uniquely chromatic use of the instruments. Currently based in NYC, Sumie was born and raise in Chiba Japan and started playing Koto at the age of 5. She is a graduate of the Tokyo National University of Fine Arts and the Berklee college of music. Her artistry moves effortlessly between worlds of Japanese traditional music and the New York jazz and avant-garde scene.