About Us

Exploring Tradition to Find a New Path in Our Current Social Climate

INTERWOVEN is a chamber ensemble whose mission is to bring together the sounds from different places and time. The ensemble name derives from the idea that music making is like creating a tapestry, woven together with threads that represent and celebrate diverse origins, traditions and materials.

Creation of INTERWOVEN was my reaction to the social climate change that occurred due to the COVID-19 pandemic. As a descendant of an Asian heritage, I was saddened by the news of racial injustice towards the Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders community— but what was even more shocking to me was the lack of response from other racial groups, as well as hesitation to speak up amongst my fellows. I felt that our voices were not heard, and realized that I had to start searching for peaceful ways to stand up for ourselves.

Hate comes from the fear of unknown; It is our natural instinct as animals to avoid something that seems foreign. On the other hand, we see plenty of examples of synergy in nature, meaning that entirely different beings can work together and create something better and stronger. We believe that combining multiple cultures fortifies our bonds as human beings, and it helps us create a more inclusive environment.

INTERWOVEN will start its journey by exploring the traditional soundscapes of East Asia as well as its counterparts from Europe. Our Classical players will perform on both historical setup (with gut strings) and modern setup (with steel strings).

Cherish the differences. Celebrate the similarities. Create something new.

Keiko Tokunaga, Founder