The Nippon Club Holiday Party 2024
Holy Night Concert ~The Phantom of the Opera~
The Nippon Club’s annual holiday party will be held this year on Thursday, December 19, at the Nippon Club Tower. The first half of the event will feature a sumptuous buffet dinner. A Jazz Bar will be open for members to socialize and enjoy live jazz music by Keita Ogawa Jazz Trio. The second half of the event will be an entertainment titled “Holy Night Concert ~The Phantom of the Opera~” featuring the famous songs from the Broadway musical “The Phantom of the Opera” as well as Christmas songs performed by a splendid cast.
The cast includes Meghan Picerno, a musical actress with a background as an opera singer who played the lead role of Christine in “The Phantom of the Opera”; Jay Armstrong Johnson, an actor, singer, and dancer who played Viscount Raoul Chagny in “The Phantom of the Opera”; and Will Olsen of the ABC television series “Quantico”. Dan Micciche, a music director, conductor, and vocal coach, will provide piano accompaniment. Please look forward to this once-in-a-lifetime event.
As a special event, a silent auction of paintings by Koh, an artist in New York and one of the Nippon Club WEB Gallery’s artists, will be held at the party venue. (A portion of the proceeds will be used for club activities.)
The event will conclude with the raffle of an array of gorgeous prizes. Please join us for an evening of enjoyment during the holiday season! We look forward to seeing you there!
【Date & Time】
Thursday, December 19 6:00 PM～9:00 PM
【Venue】
The Nippon Club
（145 W 57th St, New York, NY 10019）
【Fee】
Nippon Club members $180 / Guest/Non-members $220
(incl. dinner & drinks, tax and service fee)
【Capacity】
Maximum allowed up to 100 guests
（Please note that the registration will be closed as soon as it reaches capacity.）
Registration deadline: Friday, December 13
You can pay the registration fee by PayPal or Credit Card.
『Phantom of the Opera』
“The Phantom of the Opera”, first performed in London in 1986, began a 35-year run on Broadway in 1988. After 10,000 performances, a record for Broadway musicals, the final curtain came down on April 16, 2023. Based on a French novel, “The Phantom of the Opera” takes place at the Paris Opera House in the 19th century. The musical depicts the tragic love between a beautiful soprano singer and the Phantom, who hides in the basement of the Opera House with a mask to hide his facial scars.
Koh, Artist (Silent Auction)
A New York-based oil painter, Koh is a one-sixteenth French mixed-race native of Tokyo. She has lived in Europe and the U.S., and moved to New York in 2016 to explore an increasingly diverse worldview that transcends culture and gender. She is a permanent artist at the Nippon Club Web Gallery. She is a close friend of Broadway singer Meghan Picerino, who is featured in this show, and has collaborated with her on the painting and music. One of Koh’s works, a portrait of the late Ryuichi Sakamoto, hangs in the office of Carnegie Hall representative Sir Clive Gillinson, sponsored by Tokio Marine America.
Christina Maxwell
Christina Maxwell is a New York City-based award winning singer and actress who performs in concert across the globe. Maxwell recently performed as a headlining soloist in New York City with the Metropolitan Opera Orchestra, on the private island of Li Galli, Italy, at Festival Napa Valley, and at the United Nations’ 67th Annual Commission on the Status of Women. She has appeared in commercial campaigns for brands including Olay, Nissan and Humira.
Additionally, Maxwell works at the intersection of the arts and the corporate world as Director at global real estate firm, The Related Companies, where she advises on art acquisition and strategic partnerships. Through this work, she works closely with many Japanese companies and brands including Suntory, Mikimoto, Mitsui Fudosan and the Japanese Chamber of Commerce and Industry.
Meghan Picerno
MEGHAN PICERNO (Soprano) handpicked by theatre legend, Hal Prince, Meghan returned as Phantom’s leading lady, Christine Daaé, for its historic Broadway reopening, where she was nominated as Broadway Replacement of the Decade, (Broadway World). Previously she delighted audiences to critical acclaim as Christine on the World Tour of Phantom, and in the U.S. Premiere/1st national tour of Love Never Dies, which led to a special invitation from Lloyd Webber to perform at the Classic BRIT Awards in London at the Royal Albert Hall, marking her debut with the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra. A rising star in both the worlds of Broadway and Opera, she has become one of the most sought-after Cunegondes world-wide in Bernstein’s musical masterpiece, Candide. Additionally, she has performed in the a collection of the most prestigious venues across the globe: From Asia to South America to Europe. Off-Broadway/NY: Cunegonde in Candide (NYCO). Regional/Opera: Marian (The Music Man), Maria (The Sound of Music), Eliza (My Fair Lady), Adele (Die Fledermaus), Queen of the Night (Die Zauberflöte), La Fée (Cendrillon), Olympia (Les contes d’Hoffmann). Concerts: Royal Albert Hall, San Francisco Symphony, Lincoln Center, David Geffen Hall, Avery Fischer Hall, Carnegie Hall, The Appel Room, Jazz at Lincoln Center, Birdland Jazz, Sony Hall, 54 Below, Green Room 42, Detroit Symphony, Cincinatti Symphony, Teatro Nuovo, Mexico; Marina Bay Sands, Singapore; Tel Aviv Opera, Istana Budaya, Kuala Lumpur; Theatro Municipal de São Paolo, Brazil; Gran Teatre del Liceu, Barcelona; Beijing Center of Performing Arts, Follow her: IG @meghanpicerno, FB @meghanpicernocoloratura, www.meghanpicerno.com
Jay Armstrong Johnson
A fixture of stage and screen, Jay Armstrong Johnson most recently appeared in the Tony Award winning revival of Parade on Broadway. Jay is known to television audiences worldwide as genius hacker Will Olsen on ABC’s thriller series Quantico. On Broadway, Jay is considered one of the industry’s most versatile triple-threats, having starred as “Raoul” in The Phantom of the Opera for the global phenomenon’s record- breaking 30th anniversary, “Chip” in the celebrated revival of the classic musical On the Town, and the original casts of the Tony Award-winning revival of Hair, Hands on a Hardbody, and Catch Me if You Can. Jay’s debut album, Jay Armstrong Johnson -LVIE at Feinstein’s / 54 Below, is available on Spotify, iTunes, and broadwayrecords.com. Praising Jay’s live, recorded concert in the New York Times, music critic Stephen Holden said, “He has the gift.” To date, Jay has performed in concert at Carnegie Hall, Lincoln Center, the Kennedy Center, the Holywood Bowl, and Tokyo’s Theatre Orb. At Lincoln Center, he starred opposite Emma Thompson, Bryn Terfel, and Audra McDonald in Sweeney Todd, directed by Lonny Price. The New York Philharmonic production was recorded for Live from Lincoln Center on PBS. Also at Lincoln Center, Jay starred as the title role in New York City Opera’s Candide, under the direction of the legendary Hal Prince. @jay_a_johnson
Dan Micciche
Dan Micciche is the current music director, conductor of WICKED on Broadway and has been with the show for over 10 years – including the national and international tours. He was recently inducted as a member of the Grammy’s Recording Academy this year. Prior to WICKED, Dan began his acting career as the youngest actor to play Mary Sunshine in CHICAGO for 2000 performances on Broadway as well as the national tour, Japanese, Alaskan and Thailand companies. He is one of the other performers to sing solo and conduct at The Kennedy Center. His TV / FILM work includes: WICKED (universal), The Tonight Show – with Jimmy Falon, 2021 Macy’s Thanksgiving Day parade, Good Morning America, Cake Boss. Concert work: Soloist at Carnegie Hall/ The Kennedy Center: Bernstein’s MASS. Recordings: Bernstein’s MASS (Grammy nom 08’) During 2021, Dan started a company that brings Broadway into your home, company or event. His program features new Broadway talent, to learn more or book your own Broadway event visit: Broadwayconcerts.com
Koh
Koh is a New York based oil painter. Originally from Tokyo Japan, she is one-sixteenth French. By the experiences of living in France and the US, she moved to New York in 2016 to explore the mindsets of people in an increasingly complex world that lies beyond culture and genders.
Through her oil paintng, she expresses the concept of contradicJng elements; life, death, and the complex psychological spaces in between. Her work is heavily influenced by the vibrant
energy of New York City, and captures the nuances of the world surrounding her and the complexites of life. She aims to communicate the idea of contradiction and spirituality that
resonates with the viewers.
Koh holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree with Honors from Parsons School of Design and studied BA (Hons) Fine Art Painting program at University of the Arts London as an exchange
student. Before studying at Parsons School of Design, she studied Academic writing at Columbia University.
▼GROUP EXHIBITIONS & AWARDS
2023 BFA Thesis Exhibition “Thank You and Good Night”, New York
2023 Open Studio at Parsons BFA, New York
2022 A.P.T Gallery and Studio London, London
2016 Group Exhibition at The Art Students League, New York
2013 Japanese Visual Art Exhibition in Spain
2012 France-Japan Multinational Contemporary Art Exhibition in Tokyo
2011 France-Japan Multinational Contemporary Art Exhibition in Tokyo
2010 Paris International Salon in Paris
Other various prizes in calligraphy and paintinng contests in Japan
while in schools
▼Place Where You Can See Her Works
Carnegie Hall in New York
Tokio Marin Kiln London
ABC Cooking Studio Tokyo
Maasa Takahashi’s Home
Private Collection by some celebrities in Tokyo, New York and Riyadh
Contact
info@koh-finearts.com
Koh Fine Arts: https://koh-finearts.com/
Instagram: @kohfinearts
Keita Ogawa Jazz Trio
Keita Ogawa
Percussionist & Drummer
Hailing originally from Nagasaki, Japan, Keita Ogawa is multi Grammy nominees and Grammy Award winner and one of the most versatile and sought-after percussionist and drummer in New York City.
He started his music career on drum set at the age of 15. After performing regularly in Tokyo for several years, Keita decided to pursue his musical studies overseas. He was accepted into the prestigious Berklee College of Music in fall of 2005 where he studied with legendary musicians and educators Manuel “Egui” Castrillo, Jamey Haddad, Tito De Gracia, David Rosado, and Mark Walker. Seeking full immersion into the world of Brazilian percussion, Keita relocated to Rio de Janeiro for 3 months and studied with the some of the country’s most respected musicians- Jorginho do Pandeiro, Celsinho Silva, Kiko Freitas, and Marcio Bahia among others.
Since his arrival in America, Keita has worked with some of the biggest names in modern music including Yo-yo-ma, Cécile McLorin Salvant, Assad Brothers, Maria Schneider Jazz Orchestra, Clarice Assad, Jaques Morelenbaum, Osvaldo Golijov, Les Nubians, Charlie Hunter, the Boston Symphony Orchestra, Chicago Symphony Orchestra and more.
He is member of Snarky Puppy, Bokanté and Banda Magda.
In 2016 He wrote opening Theme for National TV Program in Japan. Program Called “Hodo Station”.
In 2017 He became the Ambassador of Tourism of his Hometown, Sasebo, Nagasaki, Japan.
In 2022 He received a Civic Honor Award from his hometown Sasebo city, Nagasaki Japan.
He is endorsed by Canopus Drum, Meinl Percussion, Meinl Cymbal, Vic Firth, Evans Drumhead, Cooperman Company, Dem Sticks, Parka Percussion and Decora 43.
Keita can virtually play any percussion instrument and musical style with fluency and unparalleled musicality. Despite his youth, he has set an example for the next generation of world-class musicians. Keita’s passion for crossing musical borders and uniting differences in cultures is a rare talent which he exhibits with a smile and an open heart.
Adam Birnbaum
Jazz Pianist
Adam Birnbaum is emerging as one of the top young voices in jazz piano. Since arriving on the New York scene in 2003, he has become increasingly prominent performing in clubs and festivals around the world. A diverse performer, Adam is a member of The Al Foster Quartet, the Vanguard Jazz Orchestra and Darcy James Argue’s Secret Society as well as frequently performing with the likes of Cecile McLorin Salvant, Regina Carter, Terell Stafford and many others.
Adam’s early education took place in Boston. In 2001 Adam became a member of the inaugural class of Jazz Studies at the Juilliard School. After graduating in 2003, Adam won the American Jazz Piano Competition in May 2004 to become the American Pianists Association’s Cole Porter fellow in Jazz. Since then Adam has established a busy performing career as a sideman and as a leader. “Three Of A Mind,” (Daedalus Records, 2013) received four stars and an Editor’s Pick in Downbeat magazine and was hailed as “an eloquent dispatch from the heart of the contemporary piano trio tradition” by the New York Times. “Preludes,” Adam’s most recent release inspired by the music of J.S. Bach has begun to receive great critical acclaim as a ground-breaking fusion of classical and jazz music.
Adam is an Assistant Professor of Jazz at SUNY Purchase and a Steinway Artist.
Yasushi Nakamura
Bassist
“One of the most commanding voices on bass today”
Yasushi Nakamura is praised for imaginative, quicksilver bass lines that deepen the groove. His blend of guitar-like precision and gut-level blues has sparked collaborations with artists such as Wynton Marsalis, Wycliffe Gordon, Toshiko Akiyoshi, Hank Jones, Dave Douglas, Steve Miller, etc. With his charismatic stage presence and artful, hard swinging melodic touch, Nakamura is a first-call performer capturing new audiences and fans around the world.
Born in Tokyo, Nakamura moved to the United States at age 9, and considers both places home. He began with clarinet and tenor saxophone, but his older brother’s study of guitar and drums drove him to pick up the bass. His love of rock and funk aside, the music of Charlie Parker, Ray Brown, Miles Davis were a potent influence on him. Nakamura received a BA in Jazz Performance from Berklee School of Music in 2000, and was awarded a full scholarship to The Juilliard School for his Artist Diploma in 2006. He credits Myron Walden as an early champion, and keeps close ties to Juilliard mentors Victor Goines, Wycliffe Gordon, and Carl Allen, Ben Wolfe all of whom maintain him in their bands.
Nakamura’s career is flourishing, with consistent engagements at premier jazz festivals including Tokyo, North Sea, Monterey, Ravinia, and venues such as Birdland, Village Vanguard, the Blue Note, the Kennedy Center, Jazz at Lincoln Center, and Carnegie Hall. In 2014, he was honored to play the “NEA Jazz Masters Concert: Celebrating Jamey Abersold, Anthony Braxton, Richard Davis, and Keith Jarrett,” sharing the stage with Joe Lovano and Dave Liebman. A wide array of projects permits him to explore musical styles and collaborations. In 2016, he recorded with one of his long-time inspirations, Toshiko Akiyoshi, for her recent release, Porgy and Bess. His performance with Akiyoshi’s Jazz Orchestra was also broadcast as a documentary film. Recent works include “For the Love of Duke” with New York City Ballet choreographed by Susan Stroman, and “Ellington at Christmas: Nutcracker Suite” with Savion Glover, Lizz Wright, the Abyssinian Baptist Choir, and David Berger conducting. In 2010, he toured the Middle East with Jazz at Lincoln Center’s “Kings of the Crescent City” project, and he toured Asia in 2008 with the Juilliard All-Stars. As an educator, Nakamura has led master classes and summer intensive courses at the The Juilliard School, New School, Koyo Conservatory, Osaka Geidai, and Savannah Swing Central.
In 2016, Nakamura release his first album “A Lifetime Treasure” and in 2017 he also released 2nd album “Hometown” from Atelier Sawano featuring Lawrence Fields, Bigyuki, and Clarence Penn which received album of the year 2017 in JazzLife magazine. Most recently, he has been touring with Cécile McLorin Salvant, Joe Lovano/Dave Douglas Soundprints, American Patchwork Quartet, Christian Sands, Emmet Cohen, the Baylor Project, Vincent Herring, Wycliffe Gordon, and others.
【Contact】 info@nipponclub.org
