National Cherry Blossom Festival - official website - Washington, D.C.

The Washington Toho Koto Society is a non-profit, multiethnic organization founded in 1971 by Kyoko Okamoto to promote the understanding and appriciation of Japanese koto music. During the many years since its establishment, the Society has accumulated a large repertoire of various types of koto music, including but not limited to the classics, folk music, children's songs and contemporary compositions. Under the directorship of Mrs. Okamaoto, it has performed on numerous occasions at area schools, churches, etc. and various places such as the Millennium Stage of the Kennedy Center, the Longwood Gardens in Pennsylvania and for the annual National Cherry Blosson Opening Ceremony at the Tidal Basin in Washington, D.C. as well as for distinguished guests and occations at the Embassy of Japan. The Society is proud to have over 100 dedicated and enthusiastic members.

Each year since 1973, the Society has given a koto concert at the University of Maryland College Park campus, sponsored by the University Music Department. It is free and open to the public. For dates and additional information, call (301) 434-4487 or go to www.kotosociety.org.