Mariko Anraku (harp), Conrad Chow (violin), Ron Korb (Japanese and Western flutes), and Rachel Mercer (cello) bring to life Kevin Lau’s original score for Kimiko’s Pearl, the first ballet based on the Japanese Canadian internment during WWII. Blending a contemporary sound with elements of traditional Japanese music, Kimiko’s Pearl bridges past and present in a powerful tribute to a true Canadian story.
Conrad Chow
Violinist Conrad Chow has forged a multifaceted career as both a leading educator and performer. His debut CD, Premieres (Cambria/Naxos), reached #1 on Nielsen Soundscan’s Classical Album Charts.
Mariko Anraku
Mariko Anraku, Associate Principal Harpist of the Metropolitan Opera Orchestra since 1995, has performed as a soloist, chamber, and orchestral artist at major concert halls around the world, in addition to recording for EMI Classics.
Ron Korb
Japanese Canadian two-time GRAMMY® Award nominee Ron Korb is a distinguished flutist and composer with a distinctive global identity, blending Asian, Jazz, Celtic, and Latin influences. He has performed in films by directors such as Ang Lee, John Woo, and Atom Egoyan.
Rachel Mercer
Rachel Mercer is Principal Cello of the National Arts Centre Orchestra in Ottawa. She plays with the St. John-Mercer-Park Trio, among other ensembles, and was cellist of the JUNO Award-winning Ensemble Made In Canada. She has commissioned and premiered over 30 works by Canadian composers.