Yukako Furudate is a Japanese classical violinist who, after years of academic training, discovered Hungarian gypsy music in 1996. Fascinated, she studied the tradition directly with some of Hungary’s most celebrated Roma masters, becoming the first non-Roma musician (and first Asian woman) to receive multiple awards at major Hungarian competitions. Her gypsy repertoire now complements her classical career, making her one of the rare performers to master both worlds.
|
In 2022, she meets Giovanni, becoming his mentor and introducing him to the fundamentals of Eastern European gypsy music.
Together they form the duo Yuka & Giovanni, whose repertoire includes Hungarian and Eastern European gypsy music, as well as classical, opera and operetta pieces rearranged for violin and guitar — such as Strauss’s famous The Blue Danube. The duo performs both in concert halls and at street performance festivals across Japan. |
Pacsirta, live at Tokyo Tower, August 2024
|
They are also at the heart of projects like Gypsy Ladies, alongside mezzo-soprano Maho Kurita and a troupe of gypsy dancers.
In addition, together with the legendary Budapest cellist Károly Kovács, they formed a chamber trio which released the album Those Were The Days in 2023.
In addition, together with the legendary Budapest cellist Károly Kovács, they formed a chamber trio which released the album Those Were The Days in 2023.
|
|
|
Beyond their core focus on Eastern European gypsy music, Yukako and Giovanni actively explore a wide range of genres, including bossa nova, Música Popular Brasileira (MPB), tango, manouche, jazz, chanson, Italian canzone and many others.
Their versatile repertoire allows them to collaborate with artists from all over the world, blending diverse cultural influences and constantly expanding their musical horizons through both live performances and studio projects. |
|