​CE Presents: Improv Ensemble @GHMS

Contemporary East presents an evening of music, collaboration, and community. ​Led by improviser, saxophonist, and conductor Yuma Uesaka, the Contemporary East Improv Ensemble is composed of professional and amateur musicians who, for the last two years, have worked together to explore and develop a contemporary musical language based on Asian improvisational traditions. The program also includes an improvised performance by two dancers who participate in the jam sessions, as well as a special appearance of the trio ensemble Farcadia. 

 

Contemporary East was founded in 2022 by pianist Yuko Fujiyama, known internationally for her profound knowledge and advanced practice of this musical form. Contemporary East promotes public interest in Asian inspired improvisational music through presenting concerts and organizing workshops by Asian, American and international artists developing this important modality of contemporary music. In the last three years it has presented concerts featuring major artists working in this tradition.

 

At the same time, we have been working with the community of musicians interested in studying and experimenting with Asian improvisational aesthetic and techniques, and for the last two years have held monthly jam sessions at Greenwich House Music School. These sessions provide an open and welcoming environment for participants to explore collaborative improvisation, creative exchange, and collective performance. The program is open to all artists regardless of experience level, artistic discipline, or instrument.

 

This performance is free and open to the public. *A suggested donation of $20 is appreciated and helps support Contemporary East's programming and the continuation of these free workshops.