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Ráyo Furuta
Renowned as "The Rockstar of the Flute" by the Informador de Guadalajara in Mexico, Mexican-Japanese American flutist Ráyo Furuta stands as a captivating artist and performer of global acclaim with command over the classical, contemporary, world, jazz, and pop realms.

At the remarkably young age of 25, Furuta was officiated as a cultural ambassador to the United States of America. Since then, he has showcased his virtuosity as both a performer and educator on the international stage, gracing audiences in Mexico, Japan, Austria, the Czech Republic, Poland, Hungary, and across the Middle East and North America. His prestigious performances include those with Yo-Yo Ma's Silkroad Ensemble, American Composer's Forum, The United Nations, and the celebrated Annapolis, Banff, Icicle Creek, Mainly Mozart, Opera en la Calle, Okayama, Saarburg, Sarasota, Silicon Valley, and Yellowbarn Music Festivals to name only a few.

Furuta's dynamic presence extends to solo performances, frequently appearing as a concerto soloist specializing in the contemporary concerti by composers Gabriela Lena Frank, Yuko Uebayashi, and Paul Schoenfield. As a touring solo recitalist and alongside is longtime duo partner Michelle Cann, he has masterfully interpreted the cornerstones of the flute repertoire, while simultaneously building it with his own arrangements and compositions.

As a dedicated chamber musician he has performed alongside luminaries like Jon Nakamatsu, Peter Frankl, and members of acclaimed string quartets like Avalon, Brooklyn Rider, Kronos, Mendelssohn, and Emerson. Additionally, his passion for global music has led to performances with superstars Van Anh Vo (Danh Tranh), Sandeep Das (Indian Tabla), Vijay Gopal (Bansuri), Merima Kljuco (Accordion), Ghassan Sahhab (Qanun), and Christina Pato (Galacian Bagpipe) to name only a few. He is also a member of the Mexico-city based Contemporary Mexican Jazz Band, Toktli, and is a leading-artist-member of the Common Sounds ensemble.

Furuta serves as a Professor of Flute and Chamber Music at San Jose State University. Formerly and for a decade starting at the age of 25, he was the Lecturer of Performance Practice and Community Engagement at Santa Clara University, where he was honored (2023) with a distinguished faculty award for his commitment to serving marginalized communities. He has also shared his expertise through residencies and master classes at esteemed institutions worldwide, including the Juilliard School, Oberlin Conservatory, San Francisco Conservatory of Music, Stanford University, Lebanese American University of Beirut, University of Guadalajara, and many more. Additionally, he has served as a Visiting Professor of Flute at the Cleveland Institute of Music.

Ráyo Furuta has channeled his passion for community and civic engagement into a substantial part of his musical journey. Through his "Mas Amor Arts" initiative, he has consistently undertaken initiatives aimed at underserved communities, including involvement in local juvenile detention centers and collaborative endeavors benefiting homeless women of color and California's Farmworkers. Furthermore, he has instituted an annual project in marginalized areas of Tijuana, Mexico, offering music education to youth as a means of diverting them from the streets. His commitment extends globally, as he has also delivered performances to Syrian refugees in the Middle East.

Recognized as a distinguished curator, Furuta assumes the role of Executive Artistic Director for Chamber Music Silicon Valley, a preeminent arts organization in California. Additionally, he oversees the weekly Music@Noon concert series at Santa Clara University. His innovative spirit and commitment to advancing the arts earned him the 2024 Music Teacher's National Association 'Power of Innovation Award,' the prestigious Silicon Valley '2018 X-Factor Arts Prize', which lauds entrepreneurial and creative ideas in the arts sector, as well as the 2019 "On the Stage" Artist Laureate of SVCreates, a recognition that identifies Silicon Valley's foremost artists based on their exceptional work quality and dedication to enriching the community.

A recipient of the prestigious Staller Scholar and distinguished alumni "40 under 40" awards, Ráyo Furuta holds a Doctor of Musical Arts degree from Stony Brook University, where he was a direct pupil of Carol Wincenc and the Emerson String Quartet. He was also heavily influenced by other mentors such as flutists Isabelle Chapuis, Jill Felber, and Elena Yarritu, harpsichordist Arthur Haas, and violinist Philip Setzer and is also an alumnus of the Multicultural Artist Leadership Institute (MALI).

Ráyo Furuta is a Burkart Artist and exclusively performs on a Lilian Burkart 9k gold flute.
The Rockstar of the Flute
Informador de Guadalajara

Expressive and compelling
Santa Barbara Independent

The prodigy of the great flutist, Carol Wincenc
San Jose Mercury News

Sophisticated
Repeat Performances

One of the nation's top emerging young concert artists.
Del Mar Times

Strong and Attractive
San Francisco Classical Voice

One of the most talented young musicians...
Philip SetzerEmerson String Quartet

A dynamic player whose artistic statement is powerful...
Carol WincencThe Juilliard School

Upcoming Events

November 16, 2024
GLFCAM Tidriks Virtual WorkshopBoonville
November 23, 2024
Soloing with Bay Area Rainbow SymphonySan Francisco, CA
December 07, 2024
Songs without Words RecitalMountain View, California
December 14, 2024
Yuko Uebayashi Flute ConcertiPalo Alto, California
January 25, 2025
Saint-Saens: Introduction and Rondo CapriciosoSan Jose, CA
March 15, 2025
Arranda Flute Concerto with Symphony of the RedwoodsMendecino, California
March 16, 2025
Arranda Flute Concerto with Symphony of the RedwoodsMendecino, California
April 04, 2025
Potsdam Flute Day - Headlining ArtistPotsdam, New York
April 11, 2025
Artist Residency: University of DaytonDayton Ohio
August 16 - 21, 2025
Gabriela Lena Frank Creative Academy of Music ResidencyBoonville, CA
February 06-09, 2026
Gabriela Lena Frank Creative Academy of Music ResidencyBoonville, CA


Past Events

November 02, 2024
Reinecke Flute Conce...
October 29, 2024
Jake Heggie Flute Co...
October 28, 2024
Furuta/Cann Duo Reci...
October 27, 2024
Opus Concerts
October 24, 2024
Jake Heggie: The Dee...
October 23, 2024
Jake Heggie Flute Co...
September 28, 2024
Montgomery, Akiho, a...
September 22, 2024
Sonic Liquefaction
September 21, 2024
Para Linda
September 20, 2024
Bach Brandenburgs
August 17, 2024
Gabriela Lena Frank ...
July 29- August 4, 2024
YES Academy: Egypt A...
July 15-30, 2024
Saarburg Festival Ar...
July 06, 2024
The Burkart Duo at T...
June 27, 2024
The Burkart Duo at S...
June 17 - 30, 2024
SJSU Summer Flute In...
June 09, 2024
Nippon Kobo
May 24, 2024
Music in-Takht
May 19, 2024
Principal Flute with...
May 18, 2024
Principal Flute with...
March 21, 2024
Principal Flute with...
March 20, 2024
MTNA Award Acceeptan...
February 24, 2024
Lunar New Year Perfo...
February 16, 2024
Solo Recital
February 05, 2024
Music in May: Juveni...
January 11, 2024
"Para Linda" Tribute...
January 10, 2024
Bach Flute Sonatas w...
December 16, 2023
Lyric Fest: Winter C...
November 27 - December 7, 2023
Precious Scars: Bay ...
November 23, 2023
Mozart Concerto in D...
November 10-13, 2023
GLFCAM Residency
November 05, 2023
Rachmaninoff's 150th...
October 28, 2023
Lee Actor: Concerto ...
October 27, 2023
Mendelssohn C Minor ...
October 26, 2023
Composer Portrait: P...
October 08, 2023
Feature Performance ...
October 06, 2023
Uebayashi & Lena Fra...
September 29, 2023
"Para Linda"
August 16 - 20, 2023
Mas Amor Arts Initia...
August 16, 2023
MUSUBI at Throckmort...
August 15, 2023
Recording Project
August 14, 2023
Recording Project
August 13, 2023
SVMF 2023: Juntos
August 12, 2023
SVMF 2023: Precious ...
August 12, 2023
Dvorak: Romance, Op....
August 11, 2023
SVMF 2023: The Brand...
August 08, 2023
Recording Project
July 24 - August 6, 2023
Faculty: Yes Academy...
July 08, 2023
Recital: Opera en la...
June 27, 2023
Santa Clara Library ...
June 26 - 30, 2023
SJSU Summer Winds Ch...
June 19-23, 2023
SJSU Summer Flute In...
June 10, 2023
Concerto Tour of Jal...
June 05 - 09, 2023
Golden State of Song...
May 21, 2023
P. Tchaikovsky: Slee...
May 21, 2023
Judge: Gifted Youth ...
May 20, 2023
P. Tchaikovsky: Slee...
May 06, 2023
Sunset Arts and Musi...
April 29 - May 3, 2023
GLFCAM / American Co...
April 14, 2023
Solo Recital
April 12, 2023
"Day of Giving" Perf...
April 01, 2023
Burkart Flutes: Cali...
March 25, 2023
Guest Speaker: MTNA ...
March 11, 2023
SJSU Flute Day with ...
December 17-18, 2022
GLFCAM Residency
November 16, 2022
Stories of Japan
November 08, 2022
Debussy X 3
November 04, 2022
Masterclass at Oberl...
November 01, 2022
Masterclass: Youngst...
October 31- November 4, 2022
In-Residence: Clevel...
October 26, 2022
Be A Music Major Day...
October 22, 2022
Faculty Recital
October 20, 2022
Composer Portrait: C...
October 08, 2022
Stories of Japan
October 02, 2022
Berkeley Symphony Ch...
September 09, 2022
Flute Music by Frenc...
August 26, 2022
SVMF 10: Passion for...
August 25, 2022
SVMF 10: All-America...
August 21, 2022
SVMF 10: Dvorak, App...
August 20, 2022
SVMF 10: Audacious A...
August 19, 2022
SVMF 10: The Branden...
August 14, 2022
Recital with Michell...
July 25, 2022
SJSU Summer Flute In...
July 12, 2022
Mas Amor Arts (CMSV)...
July 10, 2022
Mosaic at Hewlett Fo...
May 14, 2022
Audacious Amadeus: C...
April 22, 2022
Hommage to George Cr...
April 09, 2022
Sound of Japan
April 07, 2022
ComPanther's Collabo...
April 02, 2022
Premiere: Lee Actor'...
March 26, 2022
Guest Speaker: MTNA ...
March 13, 2022
Every Night in Dream...
March 11, 2022
ComPanther's Collabo...
March 10, 2022
ComPanther's Collabo...
March 09, 2022
GLFCAM Bahlest Eeble...
March 08, 2022
GLFCAM Bahlest Eeble...
March 07, 2022
GLFCAM Bahlest Eeble...
March 05, 2022
Furuta/Cann Duo Virt...
February 10, 2022
ComPanther's Collabo...
January 16, 2022
DEBUSSY X 3
January 08, 2022
CMSV 10th Anniversar...
January 07, 2022
Faculty Recital
November 05, 2021
Speaker: Marion Cilk...
October 02, 2021
Mosaic Festival
March 13, 2021
Master Class: Gabrie...
February 13, 2021
Guest Artist Recital...
January 22, 2021
SCU Faculty Artist S...
December 12, 2020
World Premiere: Lee ...
August 17, 2020
Mosaic Connect: Prec...
August 12, 2020
Judge: NAACP New Mus...
August 07, 2020 - Sunday, August 16, 2020
Annapolis Chamber Mu...
July 29, 2020 - Saturday, August 1, 2020
Mas Amor Arts Initia...
June 21, 2020 - July 10, 2020
Imagine Arts Summer ...
April 19, 2020
North Shore Pro Musi...
April 16, 2020
Guest Speaker: Diver...
April 05, 2020
Solo Recital: Stanfo...
April 04, 2020
World Premiere: Lee ...
March 27, 2020
Festival Next: Solo ...
March 10, 2020
Toktli at Cinequest
March 07, 2020
CMSV: Cabaret Collec...
March 01, 2020
Lyric Fest: The Ench...
February 29, 2020
Lyric Fest: The Ench...
February 23, 2020
First Baptist Presen...
February 22, 2020
Solo Recital: Annapo...
February 08, 2020
Rhiannon Gidden's Lu...
January 18, 2020
CMSV: The Brandenbur...
January 10, 2020
Solo Recital: Santa ...
December 14, 2019
CMSV: Prescious Scar...
December 07, 2019
Debut: Prescious Sca...
November 16, 2019
Master Class and Rec...
August 31, 2019
Silicon Valley Music...
August 30, 2019
Silicon Valley Music...
August 03, 2019
Annapolis Chamber Mu...
July 14, 2019
Icicle Creek Chamber...
July 13, 2019
Icicle Creek Chamber...
June 27, 2019
2019 SVArts Awards +...
June 26, 2019
CMSV in Mexico Resid...
June 25, 2019
CMSV in Mexico Resid...
June 24, 2019
CMSV in Mexico Resid...
May 29, 2019
SCU Flute Studio Rec...
April 27, 2019
Cupertino Cherry Blo...
April 13, 2019
CMSV: Common Sounds
April 07, 2019
North Shore Pro Musi...
April 06, 2019
All "American" Recit...
April 06, 2019
All "American" Recit...
April 01, 2019
All "American" Recit...
March 30, 2019
All "American" Recit...
March 29, 2019
Common Sounds @ Mosa...
March 09, 2019
Special Guest with R...
February 01, 2019
New Music Festival: ...
January 31, 2019
New Music Festival: ...
January 27, 2019
Master Class at Oran...
January 26, 2019
CMSV: The Brandenbur...
January 20, 2019
Master Class at Oran...
November 10, 2018
CMSV: Celestial Mech...
November 07, 2018
Ray Furuta & Haruka ...
October 24, 2018
Frankenstein
October 05, 2018
Common Sounds with M...
October 4, 2018
Faculty Recital
August 20, 2018
Recording Session: M...
August 18, 2018
Recording Session: M...
August 17, 2018
Vico Diaz: Toktli
August, 04, 2018
Annapolis Chamber Mu...
August, 03, 2018
Annapolis Chamber Mu...
August, 02, 2018
Annapolis Chamber Mu...
July, 28, 2018
Annapolis Chamber Mu...
July 15, 2018 - July 21, 2018
Imagine Arts Summer ...
July 3, 2018 - July 5, 2018
Opera en la Calle Fe...
June 30, 2018
Silicon Valley Music...
June 29, 2018
Silicon Valley Music...
June 28, 2018
Silicon Valley Music...
May 12, 2018
Wind and Reed with M...
May 2, 2018
Music@Noon with Furu...
April 28, 2018
CMSV: Rouge
March 16, 2018
Soloist with SCU Win...
February 2, 2018
Santa Clara Universi...
January 29, 2018
Sangam Arts Presents...
January 28, 2018
North Shore Pro Musi...
January 20, 2018
CMSV: The Complete B...
November 13, 2017
Lunes de Musica: Sol...
November 3, 2017
Faculty Recital @ SC...
October 29, 2017
Furuta/Kibbey Duo wi...
October 21, 2017
CMSV: AMOUR
September 30, 2017
Recital: Okayama Flu...
September 24 -30, 2017
Okayama Internationa...
September 9, 2017
Guest Artist - Palo ...
September 4, 2017
Lunes de Musica
July 26-29, 2017
Opera en la Calle Fe...
July 25, 2017
Master Class for San...
July 9 - 16 , 2017
Imagine Music - Beir...
June 18, 2017
Mainly Mozart Festiv...
June 10, 2017
SVMF 2017: A Hug fo...
June 9, 2017
SVMF 2017: Techno Pa...
June 8, 2017
SVMF 2017: Vertigo
May 5, 2017
Performance with Sil...
May 3, 2017
Performance with Sil...
April 6, 2017
CMSV Opus Now Soiree
March 25, 2017
Wind Remix
February 15, 2017
Music and Conflict -...
February 13, 2017
Music and Conflict -...
February 8, 2017
Arts and Conflict - ...
February 7, 2017
Arts and Conflict - ...
February 3, 2017
Composer Portrait: E...
December 10, 2016
Vivaldi: The Four Se...
November 21, 2016
Recital in Gudalajar...
November 13, 2016
Duo Recital with Bri...
November 12, 2016
Recital and Master C...
November 12, 2016
Friendly Persuasions...
November 6, 2016
North Shore Pro Musi...
October 28, 2016
Faculty Recital @ Sa...
October 22, 2016
Audacious Amadeus
December 12, 2016
Music@Noon
September 22, 2016
Crumb: Vox Balanae @...
August 19, 2016
Soloist with Orquest...
August 17, 2016
Chamber Master Class...
August 16, 2016
Flute Master Class -...
August 14, 2016
Heggie: The Deepest ...
August 14, 2016
Recital - Tijuana, M...
June 25, 2016
SVMF 2016: Father Be...
June 23, 2016
SVMF 2016: Impressio...
May 20, 2016
Music in May
May 7, 2016
Benefit Recital for ...
April 24, 2016
Music in May Salon S...
April 23, 2016
Ensemble San Francis...
April 23, 2016
MIMOZART
April 22, 2016
Santa Clara Universi...
April 17, 2016
Live at NPR's "Says ...
April 9, 2016
Son à Trois Recital
April 8, 2016
Lecture @ Stanford U...
April 5, 2016
Chamber Music Class ...
April 3, 2016
North Shore Pro Musi...
March 26, 2016
Duo Recital with Rac...
March 22, 2016
The Mozart Flute Qua...
March 16, 2016
CMSV Outreach at Juv...
March 12, 2016
Guest Artist with Fr...
March 6, 2016
North Shore Pro Musi...
January 3, 2016
San Jose Chamber Orc...
December 11, 2015
Hidden Valley Opera
December 6, 2015
Hidden Valley Opera
December 4, 2015
CMSV Launch
November 15, 2015
North Shore Pro Musi...
April 9, 2015
Providence Premieres
March 28, 2015
C.P.E. Bach D minor ...
March 27, 2015
Solo Recital
March 26, 2015
Masterclass and Reci...
March 25, 2015
Recital with Carol W...
March 4, 2015
Residency at Califor...
February 21, 2015
Uebayashi Flute Conc...
February 20, 2015
Masterclass - Univer...
January 30, 2015
Residency @ SUNY Alb...
January 18, 2015
The Complete Bach Fl...
December 16, 2014
Lecture on The Pheno...
November 14, 2014
Premieres!
November 9, 2014
Guest Artist - New Y...
November 2, 2014
Guest Artist - San F...
October 28, 2014
Chamber Music Coachi...
October 26, 2014
Residency - Gettysbu...
August 13, 2014
Recital - San Diego ...
August 13, 2014
Master Class - San D...
August 1, 2014
Side-by-Side with Di...
July 12, 2014
Icicle Creek Chamber...
June 22, 2014
Masterclass @ Silico...
June 21, 2014
Soyokaze Trio in San...
April 26, 2014
Soloist with San Jos...
April 11, 2014
Sonic Spring Electro...
March 29, 2014
Stony Brook Symphony...
February 8, 2014
The Bach Flute Sonat...
January 25, 2014
IHS Benefit Concert
January 30 - February 2, 2019
Santa Clara Universi...
The Concerti of Gabriela Lena Frank and Yuko UebayashiRáyo Furuta is the premiere interpreter for the exhilarating concerti by composers Gabriela Lena Frank and Yuko Uebayashi. "Illapa: Tone Poem for Flute and Orchestra" by Gabriela Lena Frank depicts a moment in the life of Illapa, a powerful weather god from ancient South American Andean culture. While Yuko Uebayashi's "Concerto pour Flûte et Orchestre à cordes" melds her Japanese heritage with her French inspiration in an amazingly virtuosic and beautifully lyrical combination.
Ráyo Furuta & Michelle CannThe most dynamic flute and piano duo performing today, Michelle Cann and Ráyo Furuta’s performances together are unparalleled. As performers and educators on the forefront on classical music pedagogy, bookings can include panels, lectures, masterclasses, and/or career development or performance workshops.
view video...
Pasíon: Alt-Mariachi Performance ExperiencePASÍON is a concert-length performance featuring a series of popular Mexican ballads/love songs arranged for solo flutist/vocalist with an alt-mariachi ensemble. These arrangements were masterfully crafted by leona bassist and Jazz musician, Vico Diaz.
Other Collaborations

"Furujii" (Flute & Percussion) with Haruka Fujii

"Burkart Duo" (Two Flutes) with Carol Wincenc

"Common Sounds" (Global Music Fusion)

"Nunu" (Flute, Horn, & Piano) with Amr Selim and Seba Ali


with Van Anh Vo (Dan Trahn)

with PC Muñoz (Multidisciplinary/Percussion)

with Vico Diaz (Leona Bass)

with Shirley Muramoto (Koto)

with Chiffon Fu (Guzheng)

PUBLICITY PHOTOS


PERFORMANCES


TEACHING


FRIENDS AND MORE



「フルート界のロックスター」とメキシコの新聞、Informador de Guadalajaraに称賛され、アメリカ、日本、メキシコと3つのバックグラウンドを持つフルタ氏は、世界を舞台にクラシック、コンテンポラリー、ワールド音楽、ジャズからポップまで、あらゆるジャンルにおいて幅広く活躍する。

2014年にはアメリカの文化大使を務め、アメリカ国内の都市をはじめ、日本、メキシコ、オーストリア、チェコ共和国、ポーランド、ハンガリー、中東を、演奏家/講師として旅する。これまでにヨーヨー・マ監修のシルクロード・アンサンブル、リンカーン・センター室内楽協会、ジュリアード音楽院、国連、Mainly Mozart音楽祭、岡山国際音楽祭、サラソタ音楽祭、イエローバーン音楽祭などで演奏した。

コンチェルトソリストとしての活躍もめざましく、上林裕子、ブレット・ディーン、ポール・シェーンフィールドなどのコンチェルトをレパートリーとし、フルート奏者としてコンテンポラリーミュージックを広める礎となっている。

室内楽奏者としては、ハープ奏者のブリジット・キビーとFuruta/Kibbeyデュオ、パーカッション奏者の藤井はるかとFurujii、そしてフルート奏者のキャロル・ウィンセンスとBurkart デュオとして活躍している。他にはジョン・ナカマツ、ピーター・フランクル、そしてアヴァロン、ブルックリン・ライダー、クロノス、メンデルスゾーン、エマーソン弦楽四重奏団のメンバーらと共演する。また、世界各地の民族音楽への興味は尽きず、Van Anh Vo(ダン・チャイン奏者)、Sandeep Das(タブラ奏者)、Vijay Gopal(バーンスリー奏者)、Merima Kljuco(アコーディオン奏者)、Ghassan Sahhab(カーヌーン奏者)、Christina Pato(ガリシン・バグパイプ奏者)と、様々な民族楽器奏者との共演を楽しむ。メキシコシティを拠点とするコンテンポラリージャズバンドToktli、そしてCommon Sounds ensembleのリーダーでもある。

フルタ氏は現在カリフォルニア州のサンタクララ大学で音楽とソーシャル・ジャスティスの講師として、後進の指導にも情熱を注ぐ。加えて、世界を拠点とする音楽演奏、民族音楽学のコースも受け持つ。過去にはニューヨク州立大学ストーニーブルック校にてエマーソン弦楽四重奏団の助手として、フルートと室内楽を指導した経験も持つ。

各地でのマスタークラスの開催にも熱心に取り組み、これまでサンフランシスコ音楽院、スタンフォード大学、ベイルート・アメリカン大学、カリフォルニア大学サンディエゴ校、サンノゼ州立大学、ヴィクトリア大学、ニューヨーク大学などに招聘された。Icicle Creek室内楽音楽祭、Imagine音楽セミナー(ベイルート)、 Orqesta Sinfonica Juvenil(グアダラハラ、メキシコ)でも講師を務める。また、ソーシャル・ジャスティスのフィールドにも身を置く音楽家として、最近ではホームレス施設や貧困区域内の学校、少年施設など世界中のあらゆるコミュニティーに音楽を届けようとコンサート活動を企画している。

ティフアナ(メキシコ)では、貧困家庭の子供たちに向け音楽プログラムを立ち上げ、音楽を糧に子供たちがストリートチルドレンにならぬようにと願いを込め、毎年恒例のプロジェクトとしている。このような活動や、中東でシリア難民に向け演奏した経験を活かし、後に、現在教鞭を取るサンタクララ大学でのソーシャル・ジャスティスのカリキュラム設立へと至った。

地元カリフォルニア州ではアートシーンをさらに盛り上げようと、Silicon Valley室内楽音楽祭やサンタクララ大学でのMusic@Noonコンサートシリーズの代表を務める。2018年には革新的且つクリエイティブなアーティストに送られるX-Factor Arts Prizeを獲得。今年2019年には、シリコンバレーでコミュニティーを豊かにする為に最も尽力したアーティストとして、 “On the Stage” Artist Laureate of SVCreatesに選ばれた。

ストーニーブルック大学、大学院ではキャロル・ウィンセンスに師事し、卒業生として“40 under 40”アワードを受賞。在学中、エマーソン弦楽四重奏団はもとより、フルート奏者のイザベル・シャプイ、 ジル・フェルバー、エレナ・ヤリトゥ、ハープシコード奏者のアーサー・ハス、ピアニストのウー・ハンにアーティストとして最も影響を受ける。

Reconocido como "El Rockero de la Flauta" por el Informador de Guadalajara en México, el flautista mexicojaponés-estadounidense Ráyo Furuta se erige como un artista cautivador y un intérprete de renombre mundial con dominio en los ámbitos clásico, contemporáneo, mundial, jazz y pop.

A la notable edad de 25 años, Furuta fue nombrado embajador cultural de los Estados Unidos de América. Desde entonces, ha mostrado su virtuosismo como intérprete y educador en el escenario internacional, deleitando a audiencias en México, Japón, Austria, la República Checa, Polonia, Hungría y en todo Oriente Medio y América del Norte. Sus prestigiosas actuaciones incluyen colaboraciones con el Silkroad Ensemble de Yo-Yo Ma, el American Composer's Forum, las Naciones Unidas y los aclamados festivales de música de Annapolis, Banff, Icicle Creek, Mainly Mozart, Opera en la Calle, Okayama, Saarburg, Sarasota, Silicon Valley y Yellowbarn, por mencionar solo algunos.

La presencia dinámica de Furuta se extiende a las actuaciones en solitario, apareciendo con frecuencia como solista de concierto especializado en conciertos contemporáneos de compositores como Gabriela Lena Frank, Yuko Uebayashi y Paul Schoenfield. Como recitalista en solitario de gira y junto a su compañera de larga data, Michelle Cann, ha interpretado magistralmente los pilares del repertorio de flauta, al mismo tiempo que lo enriquece con sus propias adaptaciones y composiciones.

Como apasionado músico de cámara, ha actuado junto a luminarias como Jon Nakamatsu, Peter Frankl y miembros de destacados cuartetos de cuerda como Avalon, Brooklyn Rider, Kronos, Mendelssohn y Emerson. Además, su amor por la música global lo ha llevado a colaborar con superestrellas como Van Anh Vo (Danh Tranh), Sandeep Das (Tabla india), Vijay Gopal (Bansuri), Merima Kljuco (Acordeón), Ghassan Sahhab (Qanun) y Christina Pato (Gaita gallega), por mencionar solo algunos. También es miembro de la banda de jazz contemporáneo mexicana Toktli, con sede en la Ciudad de México, y es miembro destacado del ensemble Common Sounds.

Furuta se desempeña como Profesor de Flauta y Música de Cámara en la Universidad Estatal de San José y como Profesor de Práctica Interpretativa y Compromiso Comunitario en la Universidad de Santa Clara, donde recientemente fue honrado con un premio distinguido por su compromiso con las comunidades marginadas. También ha compartido su experiencia a través de residencias y clases magistrales en instituciones de renombre en todo el mundo, incluyendo el Conservatorio Oberlin, el Conservatorio de Música de San Francisco, la Universidad de Stanford, la Universidad Libanesa Americana de Beirut, la Universidad de Guadalajara, entre muchas otras. Además, ha sido Profesor Visitante de Flauta en el Instituto de Música de Cleveland.

Ráyo Furuta ha canalizado su pasión por la comunidad y el compromiso cívico en una parte sustancial de su trayectoria musical. A través de su iniciativa "Mas Amor Arts", ha emprendido consistentemente iniciativas dirigidas a comunidades desatendidas, incluida su participación en centros de detención juvenil locales y proyectos colaborativos en beneficio de mujeres de color sin hogar y trabajadores agrícolas de California. Además, ha instituido un proyecto anual en áreas marginadas de Tijuana, México, ofreciendo educación musical a jóvenes como medio para alejarlos de las calles. Su compromiso se extiende a nivel global, ya que también ha ofrecido actuaciones a refugiados sirios en Oriente Medio.

Reconocido como un distinguido curador, Furuta asume el papel de Director Artístico Ejecutivo de Chamber Music Silicon Valley, una destacada organización artística en California. Además, supervisa la serie de conciertos semanales Music@Noon en la Universidad de Santa Clara. Su espíritu innovador y su compromiso con el avance de las artes le valieron el premio 'Power of Innovation' de la Music Teacher's National Association en 2024, el prestigioso premio '2018 X-Factor Arts Prize' del Silicon Valley, que elogia las ideas emprendedoras y creativas en el sector de las artes, así como el título de "Artista Laureado de 'On the Stage'" de SVCreates en 2019, un reconocimiento que identifica a los principales artistas del Silicon Valley basándose en la calidad excepcional de su trabajo y su dedicación a enriquecer la comunidad.

Galardonado con los prestigiosos premios Staller Scholar y "40 Under 40" de exalumnos distinguidos, Ráyo Furuta posee un Doctorado en Artes Musicales de la Universidad Stony Brook, donde fue discípulo directo de Carol Wincenc y del Emerson String Quartet. También fue fuertemente influenciado por otros mentores como los flautistas Isabelle Chapuis, Jill Felber y Elena Yarritu, el clavecinista Arthur Haas y el violinista Philip Setzer, y es también exalumno del Multicultural Artist Leadership Institute (MALI).

Ráyo Furuta es un artista de Burkart Flutes y se presenta exclusivamente con una flauta de oro de 9k de Lilian Burkart.
Eldin Burton
Sonatine
with Seba Ali, Piano
LISTEN
Sergei Rachmaninoff
How Fair This Spot
with Nicholas Dold, Piano
LISTEN
Antonin Dvorak
Sonatina
with Seba Ali, piano
LISTEN
Yuko Uebayashi
Sonata for Flute and Piano,
with Michelle Cann, Piano
LISTEN
Alban Berg
7 Early Songs
with Christina Dahl, Piano
LISTEN
Franz Schubert
Introduction and Variations on Trockne Blumen
With Michelle Cann, Piano
LISTEN
J.S. Bach
Brandenburg Concerto No. 4
I. Allegro
Salley Koo, Violin Solo
Ray Furuta & Colleen Fernandez, Flutes
Jaram Kim & Lizzie Jones, Ripieno
Jessica Chang, Viola
Katie Youn, Cello
Zach Hobin, Bass
Stephen Gamboa-Diaz, Harpsichord
LISTEN
Claude Debussy
Trio for Flute, Viola, and Harp
with Meena Bhasin, Viola & Bridget Kibbey, Harp
LISTEN
Georg Philipp Telemann
Trio Sonata, TWV 42:d10
with Helen Kim, Violin; Arnold Choi, Cello; Erin Hanke, Harpsichord
LISTEN
Gustav Mahler
Das Lied von der Erde
with William Sharp, Violaine Melancon, Grace Park, Roger Tapping, Sunny Yang, Sam Suggs, Mark Hill, Elinor Rufeizen, Steven Dibner, Steven Stirling, Seth Knopp, & Qing Jiang
LISTEN
Francis Poulenc
Trio for Oboe, Bassoon, and Piano FP 43 (arr. Furuta)
with Steven Dibner, Bassoon; Qing Jiang, Piano
LISTEN
Antonin Dvorak
Piano Quintet No. 2 in A major
with Mark Hill, Oboe; Alan Kay, Clarinet; Carolyn Lockhart, Bassoon; Ann Ellsworth, Horn; Alexandria Le, Piano
LISTEN
Carl Philipp Emanuel Bach
Flute Concerto in D minor, H.484.1
I. Allegro
LISTEN
Yuko Uebayashi
Concerto pour Flûte et Orchestre à cordes (Selection)
I. Lento-Allegro
LISTEN
Yuko Uebayashi
Concerto pour Flûte et Orchestre à cordes (Selection)
III. Allegro Scherzando
LISTEN
Lee Actor
Concerto for Two Flutes and Orchestra (Selection)
I. Allegro Molto
LISTEN
Lee Actor
Concerto for Two Flutes and Orchestra (Selection)
II. Adagio
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Lee Actor
Concerto for Two Flutes and Orchestra (Selection)
III. Allegro Molto Vivace
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Paul Schoenfield
Flute Concerto (Klezmer Rondos)
LISTEN
Amr Selim
Zar
Common Sounds Ensemble
With Amr Selim, Horn; Mike List, Frame Drum; Akshay Prabhakhan, Mridamgam; ShenShen Zhang, Pipa; Brian Wong, Koto
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Zhao Jiping
Sacred Cloud Music
Common Sounds
With ShenShen Zhang, Pipa; Angie Villa, Flute; Amr Selim, Horn; Brian Wong, Koto; Ciiku Ndungu, African Drum; Mike List, Percussion
LISTEN
Sandeep Das
Tarang
Common Sounds
with Amr Selim, Horn; ShenShen Zhang, Pipa; Mike List, Frame Drum/Tambourine; Akshay Prabhakan, Mridangam
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Improvisation
with Van Anh Vo, Danh Trahn
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Soyokaze
Shirley Muramoto, Koto; ShenShen Zhang, Pipa; Ciiku Ndungu, Percussion
LISTEN
John Zorn
Briel
Common Sounds
Ray Furuta, Flute & Duduk
Shenshen Zhang, Pipa
Amr Selim, Horn
Carl Schultz, Tenor Saxophone
Vico Diaz, Leona Bass
Mike List, Riq, Dumbek, Frame Drum
LISTEN