"A fresh and unusual holiday album rich with a quiet beauty." Tidings of peace from Duo En. Japanese shakuhachi (bamboo flute) and the 13-stringed koto (harp) offer acoustic music of replenishing calm and hope. Heartfelt and refreshing arrangements of melodies new and old are presented for listeners of all ages and places in the spirit of peace. Winter Cranes is Duo En's second release, following their internationally acclaimed "EN: AFFINITY." John and Elizabeth met when they began studying Japanese in 1974. They fell in love with each other then fell in love with Japan. Since then they have lived in Japan for over a dozen years, studying Japanese music from master teachers including Sawai Kazue, Sawai Tadao, Nagane Utayumi, Sakata Ryozan and Igarashi Ryozan. The shakuhachi is a five-hole bamboo flute with a Zen tradition and has been used for meditation for centuries. The 13-stringed koto is a classical instrument made from paulownia wood with moveable bridges, played with three picks worn on the right hand. Duo En performs often in the Pacific Northwest in both formal and casual venues, from large festival settings to intimate teahouses. They also work in schools and universities, introducing Japanese music and culture to students of all ages. Elizabeth is one of the few licensed American masters of the koto and founded the award-winning Koto World label in 2000. More information on Duo En can be found at www.duoen.com.