Music Research Seminar: Laonikos Psimikakis-Chalkokondylis

In this seminar, Laonikos introduces the shakuhachi (Japanese bamboo flute) and explores the aesthetic principles of honkyoku music through a brief look at the history of the tradition and listening to musical examples. Honkyoku is a centuries-old tradition originating from Zen monasteries, unique within Japanese music in that it is the only solo instrumental repertoire that isn't related to singing.

About Laonikos Psimikakis-Chalkokondylis

Laonikos Psimikakis Chalkokondylis (b. 1989) is a Greek composer, shakuhachi player, and performer based in London. He is fascinated by the space between controlled and uncontrolled sound, and our relationship to the more-than-human: how can we blend in with the rest of the biosphere in a way that is playful, creative, nourishing? He studied composition with Paul Newland at Guildhall, and with Nathan Riki Thomson and Outi Pulkkinen at the University of the Arts, Helsinki. Laonikos has performed at the Barbican Centre, Kings Place, Sarawak Parliament and Helsinki City Centre, has performed on Radio 3 and hosts a weekly show on Resonance FM.