About Brandon Lee
Contents
Brandon Lee is a renowned Japanese koto (zither) performer based in Melbourne, Australia. Originally from Malaysia, his journey with the koto began during his university studies in Melbourne, later deepening when he moved to Japan to become a live-in apprentice of virtuoso Kazue Sawai in Tokyo. In 2011, he earned his teaching and performance licence from the Sawai Koto School. By 2014 he had graduated with a Master of Music from Monash University.
Since returning to Melbourne, Brandon has regularly performed across Australia—in Melbourne, Sydney, Broome—and internationally in Japan and the USA. He appears at major festivals and cultural events including NGV’s Cool Japan and Broome’s Shinju Matsuri.
Musical Style & Collaborations
Brandon’s artistry bridges the classical and the contemporary. He performs a repertoire spanning traditional Japanese music for the koto, modern compositions, and experimental pieces exploring the koto’s possibilities in fusion and cross-cultural contexts. His collaborations include work with artists such as Anne Norman, Peter Knight, Andrea Keeble, and Sandy Evans, pushing boundaries and creating new sonic textures.
His performances often feature both solo work and ensemble formats that may include other traditional or modern instruments, bringing audiences a contemplative yet fresh musical experience. He is equally at ease in formal concert halls, intimate settings, festivals, or cultural celebrations.
Performance Highlights
- NGV’s Cool Japan – Melbourne cultural showcase of Japanese art and music
- Shinju Matsuri in Broome – vibrant intercultural festival in Australia’s north
- International performances in Japan and the USA, expanding the reach of the koto and his unique interpretive style
- Participation in collaborative concerts such as String on Strings and thematic works blending koto with instruments like violin, flute, percussion, and other traditional Asian instruments.
Why Choose Japanese Koto by Brandon Lee for Your Event
- Offers a unique musical experience: the Japanese koto is rare and captivating to many audiences.
- Combines deep tradition with contemporary art, suitable for both formal cultural programming and modern genre-blending performances.
- High professional training, including licence from Sawai Koto School and a Master’s degree, ensuring excellence in performance and presentation.
- Strong cross-cultural appeal that can heighten festivals, galleries, corporate events, weddings, or themed evenings.
- Flexibility in format—solo, ensemble, or collaborative—which enables adaptation to venues large or small.
How to Book Japanese Koto
Contact us or call 1300 296 133 to book Brandon Lee. Hiring this spectacular Japanese Koto performance is your chance to bring something profoundly beautiful and culturally rich to your program. To arrange this, please provide details including your event type (concert, festival, corporate function, private gathering), venue size and acoustics, duration desired (full concert, shorter set, background music, or featured performance), and technical capabilities (amplification needs, stage setup). We will work with you to tailor the performance to your audience, coordinate logistics, and ensure a seamless experience. Get a quick quote now to secure your booking ahead of time.
