Marimba Duo Concert: Eastern Resonance

Marimba Duo Concert: Eastern Resonance

International marimba duo Hiromi Shigeno and Ernestina present Eastern Resonance, a program that highlights the poetic depth and expressive versatility of the marimba. With their shared Asian heritage and international artistry, they bring to Europe a distinctive voice—where Eastern philosophy and tradition resonate within a contemporary concert setting.

Much of the evening is devoted to the music of Keiko Abe, the pioneering Japanese composer whose works draw inspiration from nature and spirituality while redefining the expressive language of the marimba. From the vast soundscapes of Wind Across Mountains to the vibrant energy of Tambourin Paraphrase, the shimmering colors of Prism, and the lyrical intimacy of Breath of the Tree, the program embodies a profound dialogue between tradition and innovation.

With deep appreciation for the marimba’s expressive possibilities, Hiromi Shigeno and Ernestina present this program with the hope of sharing their passion and creating a warm, memorable experience for all—an echo from the East that transcends borders and speaks directly to the heart.

Concert Programme

• Keiko Abe – Wind Across Mountains
• Keiko Abe – Tambourin Paraphrase
• Keiko Abe – Prism
• Keiko Abe – Breath of the Tree

…and more

Duration: 75 minutes
Intermission: 15 minutes

Biographies

Hiromi Shigeno was born in Kagoshima, Japan, and studied marimba with Professor Keiko Abe at Toho Music University in Tokyo. A distinguished performer, she was a finalist at the World Marimba Competition in Stuttgart (2002), won 3rd prize at the Universal Marimba Competition (2007), and 2nd prize at the CML Marimba Artist Competition(2008, USA). In 2008, she was also awarded the Keiko Abe Prize at the World Marimba Competition in Stuttgart. From 2009, she studied percussion at the HfM Karlsruhe with Professor Isao Nakamura. Between 2011 and 2014, she served as percussion/timpani intern with the Badische Philharmonie Pforzheim and was invited for a recital at the Universal Marimba Festival. Since October 2013, she has been teaching marimba at HfM Karlsruhe.

Ernestina Leung, born in Hong Kong, studied marimba performance at LUCA School of Arts in Leuven, Belgium, and the Karol Lipinski Academy of Music in Wroclaw, Poland. Inspired by Professors Ludwig Albert, Jacek Wota, and Shoko Sakai, she discovered her passion for the marimba’s extraordinary sound world. Her project Marimba Romance has been acclaimed in Hong Kong and featured at the Lilu Light Festival in Lucerne. She has performed internationally at venues including UNESCO headquarters in Paris, and across Switzerland, Belgium, Germany, Poland, and Hong Kong. Ernestina has received numerous awards, among them 2nd prize at the 10th International Music and Arts Festival Competition in Saint Petersburg, and 1st prize at the 8th Saint Petersburg Music Student Competition in 2012.