PROFILE
Hiroki Okano/
Music Composer, Producer
Hiroki Okano has an established reputation in Japan and Europe as a composer of ambient music and film scores. He plays a variety of ancient, traditional Japanese and contemporary instruments. His work as a producer of music, films and musical events has grown, along with his solo performances and those with his bands, Wind Travelin' Band, Leela and Tenkoo Orchestra.
Since he first appeared at Glastonbury Festival in 1992 he has continued
to perform there each year, including on the Jazz World Stage. His UK tours
have featured appearances at The Barbican, The Hope & Anchor, Sussex
Arts Club, Brighton and the Quest Festival in Devon amongst others. He
has also toured in the US with Native American flute player Carlos Nakai.
In 2000 he brought the 'Peace Flame' - lit from the fires of Hiroshima and kept alight in a temple in Japan - to Glastonbury Festival, the Tibetan Peace Garden at the Imperial War Museum and other venues, playing to promote peace and understanding in the world. He went on to take it to Pearl Harbour, Hawaii, where he performed at the Global Peace Ceremony.
In 2001 Hiroki participated in a festival organised by the Japanese government to promote Japanese culture in the UK - 'Japan 2001', which included appearances ranging from The British Museum and Stonehenge to workshops in schools around the country, demonstrating ancient and modern Japanese music.
As well as composing, playing and recording with his bands, he continues to tour as a solo artist, appearing in concert halls, sacred sites and temples throughout Japan and in the UK.
"may be the most important talent since Kitaro and R Sakamoto"
"sounds & rhythms retaining the intrigue of the east and their synthesis with western elements produces truly global music"
"the inspiration of his music is to be in tune with all beings on earth"
"one of the few artists with a creative, viable concept for the shape of music in the 21st century"
