From June 27 to July 5, 2026, LEO and Walter Auer performed together in six venues across Japan, presenting a duo recital that brought together two distinct musical traditions.
LEO is a koto player of Japanese and American heritage, and one of the most exciting young voices in the world of traditional Japanese music. A multiple prize-winner in national competitions, he has expanded his reach well beyond the classical repertoire — performing at outdoor music festivals and Blue Note Tokyo, among other stages. Walter Auer is the principal flutist of the Vienna Philharmonic and an internationally active soloist who has appeared with major orchestras around the world.
The program featured beloved works spanning both traditions, including Michio Miyagi’s Haru no Umi (The Sea in Spring) and Bach’s Ave Maria, alongside a range of classical and Japanese compositions. The collaboration across the boundary of Western and Japanese instruments drew sustained applause from audiences at every venue.
Audience members shared their impressions. One spoke of the gentleness they felt in the sound itself, as well as in the performers’ presence onstage. Another described the experience as a true “Bravo!” moment — finding themselves closing their eyes to take in the music, and coming away feeling enriched and uplifted by the pairing of koto and flute.
Following the performances, Walter Auer reflected on the tour: at every venue, he said, the warmth of the audience and the attentiveness with which people listened left a deep impression. He noted that while the instruments come from different worlds, drawing out the best of each was something the audience seemed genuinely to appreciate. LEO echoed that sentiment, noting the exceptional acoustics of each hall and expressing how meaningful it was to perform for audiences who listened with such warmth and focus.
Min-On extends its heartfelt appreciation to all those who attended the performances, as well as to everyone whose support contributed to the success of the tour.
