Japanese flute master to revisit his Maleny connections

Riley Lee is coming to St George’s Anglican Church, Walker Drive, Maleny, March 20 at 2pm.

Riley Lee became the first non-Japanese master of the Shakuhachi flute in the world, but he was a Maleny resident in 1987 when the town hosted the first Maleny Folk Festival. 

This festival was the origin of the internationally regarded Woodford Folk Festival and Riley has performed at both festivals.

Riley is returning to Maleny to present a concert at St George’s Anglican Church Walker Drive, March 20 at 2pm. 

Priest in charge Reverend Deborah Bird is delighted at the choice for the first concert for 2022. “The concert series St Georges-in-the-Hills has been a successful niche event for some years now, with a few challenges during the pandemic, ” she said. “I am committed to continuing the series, and we start the 2022 season with an iconic instrument played, literally, by a master. I am delighted to welcome Riley Lee with his concert, appropriately titled ‘Breathing Space’, to our church venue.”

The Shakuhachi is a Japanese bamboo woodwind originally derived from the Chinese 13 centuries ago, and only a ‘master’ can play it with real authority. Following his induction as a Grand Master of the instrument in 1980, Riley has performed across the world notably with the Boston Symphony Orchestra, the Berlind Theatre Princeton, as well as in Australia with the Melbourne and Sydney Symphony Orchestras. 

‘Breathing Space’ will include traditional shakuhachi traditional shakuhachi pieces, as well as Riley Lee’s original compositions, and works by Hildegarde von Bingen, the 12th century Benedictine abbess whose beautiful plainsong melodies are having somewhat of a current resurgence.

This concert is already receiving a great deal of attention from music lovers, so the St Georges concert committee urge you to book as soon as possible. Because of the limited space in the church and hall, it is essential you book, either at www.trybooking.com or by phoning Susan Myring on 07 5494 3062, where you will have payment choices. Tickets are $25.  Refreshments will be available for purchase on entry, and you will be able to buy Riley Lee CDs.