Linda Kako Caplan profile picture

Linda Kako Caplan

About Me

Performer and teacher, Linda Kako Caplan is Canada's premier koto and shamisen artist. She is a Dai Shihan (Grandmaster) from the Chikushikai Koto School in Fukuoka, Japan, and is the only koto player of non-Japanese descent to attain this prestigious rank to date.
As soloist and ensemble member, Caplan has performed for over two decades at many events in Canada, Japan and the United States. She has also performed at private and diplomatic functions whose hosts or honoured guests have included Their Imperial Highnesses Prince and Princess Takamado of Japan, Yukiko Sugihara (wife of the late Consul Chiune Sugihara), Ontario Premier David Peterson, Toronto Mayor Art Eggleton, and Japanese Ambassador to Canada Kiyoaki Kikuchi.
Caplan is the Japanese Music Course Director at York University. She leads their Japanese Ensemble and is also the instructor for York's private koto and shamisen classes. Caplan teaches koto and shamisen privately, both from her Toronto studio and on the Internet, and is currently accepting new students.

What People Say

...about her performances "...we especially appreciated your skills in explaining what was, for our audience, an exotic musical culture and making it come alive."
Ben Steinberg, Director of Music, Temple Sinai
"The traditional koto music was a beautiful complement to the works on display. Our guests enjoyed your informative remarks on Japanese music and the instrument..."
Stuart Reid, Curator, Art Gallery of Mississauga
"...your expert musical talent created an enchanting atmosphere at the McMichael."
Dawn L. Sinko, Special Events Co-ordinator, McMichael Canadian Art Collection
...about her teaching "...I started my first koto lesson with trepidation as I had limited musical training in Hong Kong. Linda assured me that this would never be an issue and patiently started my basic training. Over the years, I have benefited from Linda's teaching, her insights into Japanese classical music, as well as her passion for koto. Linda has also transformed me from a novice who knew little Japanese music to a proficient koto player capable of performing in public.
E. Ma, Toronto

My Interests

Music:

Member Since: 4/28/2007
Band Website: http://www.lindacaplan.com
Band Members: Linda Kako Caplan (koto, jiuta shamisen, Tsugaru shamisen)
Influences: Music of Japan (koto, shamisen, biwa), Chikushi Katsuko, Nagasawa Katsutoshi, Matsumoto Masao, Miyagi Michio, Sawai Tadao, Takahashi Chikuzan, Celtic, medieval, baroque
Sounds Like: The music in your heart....it may change your life.
Record Label: Unsigned

My Blog

Koto and shamisen videos

Hi all: This is my "professional" performer page - just my music basics, not much in the way of personal info.   If you'd like to know a bit more about me, want to see some interesting ...
Posted by on Tue, 05 Jun 2007 21:10:00 GMT