Founded by Tomoko Sugawara and August Denhard in 2013, the Eurasia Consort has given frequent concerts in New York, Seattle, and Houston. The ensemble has collaborated with leading musicians from East Asia and the Middle East. Past performances include GEMS Midtown Concerts in New York City, Tenri Institute in New York and Trinity Parish Church, the Gig Harbor History Museum in Seattle, and Asia Society in Houston.
The Eurasia Consort has received several grants and awards, among them the New York Cultural Affairs grant, the New York State of Opportunity grant, Dunhuang Foundation grant, Chamber Music America award, and the Cheswatyr Foundation grant. Tomoko and August both visited Dunhuang on an another Dunhuang Foundation research grant. In 2019 Tomoko received a research grant from the Asian Cultural Council to explore Tang Dynasty music at Shanghai Conservatory of Music for four months. Eurasia Consort has just released its first recording, Music of Paradise, on the Sheva Collection label.
Ensemble Members
Tomoko Sugawara kugo (ancient Angular harp)
August Denhard biwa (lute)
Rex Benincasa hokyo (metallophone), drum
gamin piri (bamboo oboe), seanghwang (mouth-organ)
James Nyoraku Schlefer shakuhachi (bamboo vertical flute)