THE AIMS OF THE ESS
The Japanese, vertical end-blown bamboo flute, the shakuhachi, has become an icon of traditional Japanese music. The beautiful, mystic sound of the bamboo attracts world wide interest from those cultivating Japanese aesthetics to avant-garde composers. During the Edo period (1603 – 1867), the shakuhachi was used as a tool for meditation by Zen Buddhist priests in order to reach enlightenment. Today the shakuhachi is used in a wide variety of musical forms and styles including ensemble music, pop music, jazz as well as the traditional genres. The aim of the European Shakuhachi Society is to create an environment where many of the different schools and styles of shakuhachi playing can be explored and their differences celebrated – no matter whichever approach to the instrument one chooses to take. Being a non-profit association the ESS functions as an umbrella organisation for all shakuhachi groups in Europe and is aiming to facilitate a space where players can meet across ryūha (schools) and physical borders. ESS hosts Summer Schools and seminars around Europe. The annual European Shakuhachi Summer School is organised by various local shakuhachi groups or individuals in Europe in collaboration with ESS. All Summer Schools and seminars are open to anyone who has an interest in the shakuhachi, including complete beginners. We hope that by creating a space to get together for all shakuhachi players, as well as koto and shamisen players, we can enhance the interest in these beautiful instruments, share experiences, widen an understanding of different styles and develop playing techniques and grow together as a musical community.
ESS general meeting at the 2011 Summer School in London. Photo © Flavien L. Testard