Tradition And Celebration
The Way of Tea and Alphorn Music
Ring in the new year with a celebration by exploring the music and traditions of two unique cultures. You’ll be whisked away to the snowy hills of the Swiss Alps to hear the sounding of the alpine horn. Then, we will hop over to Japan to experience the traditional Japanese way of tea from an experienced tea practitioner.
Drinks and hors d'eouvres will be served prior to the performance, followed by dessert after the program, and opportunities for the audience and artists to mingle and exchange. You will definitely walk away entertained, having learned something new, and perhaps even with a new friendship or connection!
This intimate performance is unlike any other performed in the Bay Area, and we invite you to spread the word to friends and family to let them know about this rare experience.
Verdi Club, 2424 Mariposa Street, San Francisco
Drinks and hors d’oeuvres will be served at 4 PM, followed by the concert. Desserts are offered after the concert.
Performers
Toshiko Sobin Ueda
Tea Practitioner
Monika Ryser
Alphorn Player
Monika Ryser
Monika Ryser was born and raised in Switzerland and learned to play the cornet in 1982. She has been playing in different concert bands, British-style brass bands, and other small brass ensembles ever since. In 1993 she picked up the alphorn and has played this unique instrument on many occasions. She has performed for wedding receptions, company parties, and Swiss Community events. In 2022, she soloed the alphorn with the Pacific Brass at the Monterey Jazz Bash. Monika enjoys sharing the culture and traditions of Switzerland.
Toshiko Sobin Ueda
Toshiko is originally from Kyoto, Japan, and began her tea studies in 1993. She has been practicing the Urasenke Tradition of Tea for 30 years and received her tea name (chamei) Sobin (宗敏) in 2005. The Urasenke Tradition goes back to the direct lineage of the Great Tea Master, Sen Rikyu (1522 - 1591), and has actively provided a wide variety of programs to promote the way of tea in the world. She has been participating in educational programs and teaching classes at the Urasenke Foundation in San Francisco as well as at her own home in Sunnyvale.