JADE Ensemble, Brisbane’s acclaimed world fusion ensemble, will represent Australia at the 2025 World Expo in Osaka this August before bringing their ground-breaking work, 響和 Kyo-Wa (Harmonic Resonance), to Brisbane Powerhouse as part of Brisbane Festival in September 2025.
The prestigious World Expo residency marks a significant milestone for the ensemble, providing an international platform to showcase their unique cross-cultural approach before returning to premiere the fully-realised production for Brisbane audiences.
Kyo-Wa is more than just a concert; it’s an exploration of how diverse traditions and artistic philosophies can merge to create music that resonates across cultures. Through intensive collaboration between JADE artists – Indigenous didgeridoo artist David Williams, Nepalese virtuoso Dheeraj Shrestha, Japanese koto master Takako Haggarty and guitarist/composer Anthony Garcia – the ensemble has crafted a fresh program that captures the essence of each artist’s cultural heritage while forging new musical pathways as a collective.
“Our residency at World Expo in Osaka offers a unique opportunity to refine and share this work on an international stage before bringing it home to Brisbane,” says Anthony Garcia, JADE’s Artistic Director. “We’re particularly excited that Japanese audiences will experience our collaborative approach that honours traditional Japanese musical forms while creating something entirely new,” says Koto Master Takako Haggarty.
The Brisbane Festival premiere in September will be a powerful display of intercultural collaboration in today’s complex, contemporary society. The event is not only a showcase of JADE’s musical talents but also a testament to the potential for music to unite people across cultural divides.
Join JADE at World Expo Osaka in August or at Brisbane Powerhouse during Brisbane Festival in September 2025 for an innovative musical experience that bridges cultures, celebrates diversity, and sets the stage for a future of harmonious collaboration.
“We’re incredibly excited to be sharing the JADE experience on the world stage this year at Expo and Brisbane Festival. The JADE project is a healing process. Our creative approach is open, flowing and collaborative, with each artist contributing centuries of culture and heritage in the process. I always look forward to rehearsals for I know I’m going to be diving into the JADE ocean, that’s an ocean of peace, harmony and boundless creativity.”
Anthony Garcia (founding member/guitarist JADE Ensemble).
“The concert will demonstrate a practical example of how Australia as a multicultural nation can live in harmony. JADE music brings people with diverse backgrounds together to work in an intercultural way, it’s a unique take on culture and tradition.” Takako Haggarty (founding member/koto master JADE Ensemble).
JADE Ensemble – World Expo Residency
Australian Pavillion OSAKA
August 9-17 2025
Dr Anthony Garcia
Email:
Phone: 0432 036 496
KYO-WA (Harmonic Resonance)
Thursday, 18th September 2025. 7:30pm.
BRISBANE POWERHOUSE
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