“The Sakura Ensemble, comprising three singers and traditional Japanese instruments, plays 18 miny-o and shin miny-o (new miny-o), Japanese folk songs. These traditional pieces are constantly being re-fashioned and, over the years, have been embellished through the successive interpretations. The songs are now timeless due to this exchange between heritage and innovation, and with their melodic simplicity they can be ranked as universal works of art.” Patrick Frémeaux