X[iksa]

Yasutaka Hemmi, violin
Takayo Matsumura, harp 

‘X’ refers to the shape formed by the crossing of violin and harp strings. The combination of violin and harp seeks to challenge the familiar musical forms, which is appropriate given that the word   ‘iksa’ means challenge or fight in Japanese.

Yasutaka Hemmi, violin 
Born in Matsue, Japan, HEMMI is one of the most dynamic and active violinists for contemporary music in Japan. He has been invited to many international festivals and given literally dozens of premières. He has invented new techniques for the violin and collaborated with composers, dancers, visual artists, actors and many others. From 2001 to 2003, he was a member of Champ d'Action (Belgium), and from 2003, he has been a member of ‘Next Mushroom Promotion’ (Osaka). His solo CD ‘Violin Encounters’ was released through Megadisc (Belgium) in 2004. Hemmi s performances are also available on numerous other CDs or DVDs. 

Takayo Matsumura, harp
Born in Osaka, Japan, and graduated from Soai University (Faculty of Music), Matsumura is now a free-lance harpist and her activities incorporate solo, chamber ensemble and orchestral performances. She is a member of the harp duo Farfalle, with sister Eri Matsumura, and has performed in a range of contexts including the Arles International Harp Festival and the NHK-FM Recital. In 2009 Farfalle released its first CD ‘Farfalle au bois dormant’. Matsumura has given numerous first performances, and as an arranger, she has expanded the repertoire of harp music.