The School of Commerce and the Tokoro Seminar (Professor TOKORO Yasuhiro) hosted a Latin music concert titled “UCLA Latin World Music Concert: Connecting Through the Latin World of Music” at Academy Hall on Meiji University’s Surugadai Campus, inviting a group of musicians from the University of California, Los Angeles in the United States (UCLA), on March 21.
The concert was held with the support of Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan and the Meiji University Liberty Academy with the aim of promoting cultural exchange between Japanese and American universities and fostering students’ international understanding. Approximately 1,000 people attended the event, including Meiji University President UENO Masao, Ms. SUZUKI Ritsuko, Director of the Central America and Caribbean Division of the Latin American and Caribbean Affairs Bureau at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, as well as members of the general public, students, faculty, and staff.
During the concert, the “UCLA Latin World Music Ensemble,” composed of professors, instructors, alumni of the UCLA Herb Alpert School of Music, and other renowned musicians, performed a variety of musical pieces. The ensemble showcased music from diverse genres, including Latin jazz, salsa, and Chicano music. Between performances, Professor Steven Loza of UCLA offered brief commentary about the cultural backgrounds of the music.
During the performance
Audience members were captivated by the vibrant performance of the “UCLA Latin World Music Ensemble,” which featured dynamic drumming and percussion instruments such as tabla and conga, as well as the rich tones and rhythms of Latin jazz violin.
At the conclusion of the concert, the ensemble was met with enthusiastic applause, bringing the event to a successful and memorable close.
The concert provided a valuable opportunity to promote cultural exchange between universities and foster international understanding through world-class performances by renowned musicians. It also served as a meaningful initiative, offering a platform for cultural outreach to the local community.
Main performers:
Regina Carter (jazz violinist / multiple Grammy Award nominee)
Clayton Cameron (drummer / performed with Tony Bennett and others)
Steven Loza (Professor at University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA)/ ethnomusicologist and former Grammy Award judge)
Abhiman Kaushal (tabla player / contributor to Grammy Award-winning recordings)
The concert by the UCLA Latin World Music Ensemble