Welcoming Two Returning Members!
It's the new year, and we're excited to have two former members returning to our performance group! After extended absences, Rieko Terai and Eddie Pelikan are back in the studio and ready to perform with us again!
Rieko first began performing with us about 15 years ago, after seeing renowned taiko ensemble Kodo perform. Rieko said of the experience, "I was so moved that tears came out of my eyes. That's the time when I wanted to be a member." Her passion for taiko has not disappeared after a seven year absence, during which she traveled as an interpreter, returned to school, and raised a family. Now the time is right for her to return and she's happy to be back! Rieko is especially excited to play her favorite songs, including the popular piece Omiyage, by Shoji Kameda, as well as learn new songs that we've added during her time away from the group.
Above: Rieko performs during the 2009 Japanese Festival at the Missouri Botanical Garden. Image courtesy of Kevin Dingman.
Left: Eddie performing at the Hope for Japan tsunami relief efforts in 2011.
Eddie began performing with us in 2006 but left the group when he moved overseas for several years. He played with several groups while living in Singapore, but missed the sense of community that he felt with SLOT. Upon his return to St. Louis last summer, Eddie began practicing with us and assisting with our education committee, and after refreshing himself on our repertoire, began performing with us in December. "My hands don't move as fast as I remember them. I have a lot of practice to do and new songs to learn." After his time away, Eddie is especially proud of the accomplishments of the members who were new to the group when he left. "They have come so far and gotten so good in my absence! It makes me proud to rejoin the group and play with this talented group of musicians!"
We're so happy to have Eddie and Rieko back in the group!