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A story of war, sacrifice and renewal based on the Japanese Canadian internment of WWII, Kimiko’s Pearl is a new ballet that unfurls the bittersweet story of one family spanning four generations. It is told through the eyes of Kimiko, a 15-year-old Toronto girl who discovers an old family trunk containing her great-grandfather’s diary and other precious keepsakes. As Kimiko reads the diary, her family’s tale comes to life before her eyes.
Inspired by the family history of Bravo Niagara!’s co-founders Christine Mori and Alexis Spieldenner, Kimiko’s Pearl is based on a story by Emmy Award winner Howard Reich. The production features original music by Kevin Lau, choreography by Yosuke Mino, dancers from the Royal Winnipeg Ballet, Boston Ballet, and Vancouver Coastal City Ballet, and three generations of Japanese Canadian visual artists and musicians.
Founded in 2014 by mother-daughter duo Christine Mori and Alexis Spieldenner, Bravo Niagara! is a not-for-profit charitable organization based in Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario. Led by “two women dreamers” (Toronto Star), Bravo Niagara! presents and produces transformative concert experiences featuring today’s leading classical and jazz artists from across Canada and around the world. Since the festival’s inception in 2014, Niagara audiences have been treated to performances from artists such as James Ehnes, Jan Lisiecki, Measha Brueggergosman, The Legendary Count Basie Orchestra, The Manhattan Transfer, and many more. Bravo Niagara! is dedicated to commissioning new works and amplifying underrepresented voices through its annual Voices of Freedom initiative. Kimiko’s Pearl is a new original production created and commissioned by Bravo Niagara!.
Support Material
Bravo Niagara! on the National Creation Fund’s website
Top photo by ****Alex ****Heidbuechel