This formation of various performers from three continents was constituted after a performing tour in Japan. It became a reality thanks to a common drive towards cultural exchange and mix aiming at deeper emotional intensity. This formation performs Hiroko Ito's original compositions. It creates a kind of modern Japanese music bridging Japan and the West.
Hiroko ITO - accordion, composition
Born and raised in Japan. After studying the piano and the accordion in Japan, she heads for Paris in order to hone her skills with the celebrated accordionist Joe Rossi. She is awarded the first prize in the Okayama contest in Japan. Since then, her career brought her throughout Asia, Europe and Canada where she has performed in numerous festivals, in the theater, and on television.
Sylvain DIONY - guitar, shamisen
Born in France of French Caribbean origin. Classical studies and practice of varied musical genres (Tango, Jazz, Caribbean, Brazil,...). He enjoys a cultural mix and his experiments led him to express himself in many countries in and outside of France (Japan, Canada, Guadalupe, ....). For a number of years, he's been studying the shamisen in Japan with Master Kudo Shosen.
Mauricio ANGARITA - bass
Born in Columbia. After studying the cello in Columbia, Mauricio heads for Paris to study the bass and musicology. His professional activity leads him to practice various musical styles (Salsa, rock, blues...). Since 1987, he has joined several tango formations (such as the "Quinquette" and J.J. Mosalini's Grand Orchestra) with which he's been touring the world (Europe, USA, Japan).
Christian PAOLI - percussion
Christian Paoli studied Afro-Cuban percussion in France with Guem and Negrito Trassante, then he settled in Brazil to perfect his skills and imbibe the musical wealth of the country. Since then, he's been present at many world events alongside Brazilian performers such as Monica Passos and Nazare Pereira. Chance encounters led him to practice different styles : French song, jazz ...
Emiko OTA -Japanese percussion
Born in Japan. Emiko Ota studied the piano and classical singing. Then she appears on the Japanese pop-rock scene at the drums. Then she settled in Paris where she studied classical percussion, joined the "Mami Chan Band" and "Urban Sax" groups, and, with Andrew Sharpley, created "A&E" to blend electronic music with rock. She is currently performing in France and in many countries, both as a percussionist and a singer, with formations of very different flavors: pop, electronic, classical, Japanese experimental and traditional music.
