Internationally acclaimed cellist and multilingual vocalist Ian Maksin has released “Toryanse”, a deeply emotive song rooted in centuries of Japanese tradition, with a December tour stopping 3 times in New York State and venues ideal for the unique nature of the performance.
Born into a multi-cultural family in the former USSR, Maksin began playing guitar and piano at age three and cello at age six at the School for Gifted Children in Leningrad. At 16 years-old he ventured to the US to continue studies at the Manhattan School of Music in New York City. After working for many years in the classical genre including a three-year tenure with the New World Symphony in Miami, Maksin took a more diverse musical path, including playing rock, blues, jazz and world music.
With “Toryanse,” Maksin adds Japanese to his ever-growing repertoire of songs in more than 42 languages. While not of Japanese heritage himself, Maksin approached “Toryanse” with deep reverence, connecting to its melody and meaning as part of his ongoing exploration of global lullabies, while exploring themes of spiritual passage, reflection, and life’s delicate journeys.
“Toryanse” speaks to life’s metaphorical narrow paths: the challenges, blessings, and guidance we encounter along the way. Maksin interprets the song as both a meditative reflection on safe passage and a communal ritual of healing, connecting audiences to its timeless spiritual and philosophical depth.
“As an artist and as a father, I’ve always been drawn to the wonder in Japanese art, music, and animation,” says Maksin. “In ‘Toryanse,’ I wanted to honor its enduring message of guidance, protection, and safe passage for all, reflecting the deeper wisdom embedded in this tradition.”
The accompanying music video for “Toryanse,” filmed in the coastal landscapes of British Columbia by Vancouver-based Ukrainian photographer and videographer Olga Barkovska, evokes mystical imagery reminiscent of Miyazaki’s dreamy anime landscapes.
“Toryanse” is available now on all streaming platforms. Lullaby for The World is available on November 13th.
Ian Maksin’s Lullaby For The World Tour Dates:
DECEMBER 3 ST. CHARLES, IL MOONLIGHT THEATRE
DECEMBER 4 CHICAGO, IL EPHIPHANY CENTER FOR THE ARTS
DECEMBER 5 WOOD DALE, IL ART GALLERY KEFE
DECEMBER 10 PHILADELPHIA, PA DAVID GVINIANIDZE ARTS CENTER
DECEMBER 11 NEW YORK CITY ALL SOULS NYC
DECEMBER 13 NEW BRUNSWICK, NJ KIRKPATRICK CHAPEL
DECEMBER 14 PARAMUS, NJ FORTE PIANO MUSIC COMPANY
DECEMBER 17 ALBANY, NY FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
DECEMBER 18 JOHNSON CITY, NY TWO RIVERS CHURCH
DECEMBER 20 BOSTON, MA MUSEUM OF MODERN RENAISSANCE
DECEMBER 21 HARTFORD, CT UNITARIAN SOCIETY OF HARTFORD
JANUARY 3 KEY WEST, FL (TBA)
JANUARY 7 FORT MYERS, FL (TBA)
JANUARY 9 NAPLES, FL UNITY OF NAPLES
JANUARY 17 JANSEN BEACH, FL. TRINITY UNITED METHODIST CHURCH
JANUARY 18 POMPANO BEACH, FL THE SOUNDPOST VENUE
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