The Japanese Association Sakura Choir will present a concert at 7:30 p.m. Friday in the Davis Theatre at the Emporia Arts Center, 815 Commercial St. Admission is $3 for the public and free for students.
The JA Sakura Choir was first started in 2011 to create support and earn funds for the victims of the 9.0 magnitude earthquake that hit Japan that spring. Originally, the choir consisted of only Japanese students at Emporia State but has recently expanded to 15 members – nine from Japan, three from South Korea, two from the United States and one member from China.
“I think that them raising money for the victims of the earthquake in Japan is very respectable,” said Nick Burgoon, junior secondary education major. “I am planning on attending the concert on Friday to show my support for their cause because bringing awareness of that tragedy to the campus makes students much more culturally diverse.”
The choir was also created to help bring the music and melodies of Japan to ESU to make students more culturally aware. They still perform many Japanese pieces, but they have altered their setlist to include music from Korea, China and the U.S.
The choir has performed multiple concerts on campus, as well as special appearances at local churches in the Emporia area. They have also performed on the Kansas University campus and in Osage City.
“I have heard of the choir multiple times but have yet to check out any of their concerts,” Chase Rich, local Emporian said. “I hope to make the show this Friday and am excited to hear what they bring to the table.”
One of the choir’s greatest accomplishments was when it was invited to sing in Kansas City at the Greater Kansas City Japan Festival.
The choir’s contributions to the community of Emporia and their efforts to help the victims from Japan were recognized by Emporia Mayor Bobbi Mylnar last year.
“Being recognized by the mayor was definitely something I will remember for a long time,” said Juri Tokuda, manager of JA Sakura Choir. “It is very gratifying to know that we have touched someone with his position of power.”
Tokuda said that regardless of the turnout, the choir knows that it will be a successful show because anytime they have an opportunity to showcase their talent and the musical styles from around the world, they take advantage and give it all they’ve got.