Harpist Motoshi Kosako is an award-winning harpist and instructor based in the Sacramento region. As much as he enjoys performing as a unique jazz artist around the world, Motoshi also takes great pride in his wedding and special event performances. Available for all types of bookings, Motoshi is available for weddings, private parties, cocktail receptions, as well as jazz concert performances.

The harp is admired for its graceful beauty as well as its uniqueness...Motoshi has more than 15 years of experience playing at special events, and his repertoire includes a wide range of classical pieces, as well as his own harp arrangements of popular and jazz music. Duets, trios, and larger ensembles for your wedding or special event are also available. Motoshi serves the greater Sacramento region, Lake Tahoe, Napa, Sonoma, San Francisco bay area, as well as outlying areas. Motoshi works closely with clients to customize the music. He is equally confident performing classical music and popular tunes and was principle Harpist for the Stockton Symphony Orchestra.

In 2007 Motoshi won the second place in Lyon & Healy International Jazz & Pop Harp Competition and received the “Best of Sacramento” award from Sacramento Magazine as “Best Jazz Hound in Tie and Tail”. Sacramento Magazine says, “Kosako plays with fluid, modern style that evokes Keith Jarrett and Chick Corea.” His groundbreaking style is also noted in Harp Column as “Motoshi Kosako, a Japanese native whose introspective soloing was reminiscent of Keith Jarrett.”

Most recently, Motoshi collaborated with Grammy award winning artist Paul McCandless to record his 5th CD and embark on a Japan tour, performing as a harp and woodwinds duo. Motoshi and Paul are now available for bookings performing their original compositions.

Good rhythm feel and such clean playing! …Wow! Fantastic right hand fills and improve. I really feel you are breaking new ground here… I am impressed by your right hand… its content and clarity… Thank you for an incredible satisfaction!

Park Stickney / Jazz Harpist

Very creative harmony, great voicing and improve… Awesome job on a difficult tune (Chick Corea’s “Spain”) you made it seem easy! …Wow, you have great ear for harmony and improve…Very individual style and confidence.

Kimberly Rowe / editor of Harp Column

Great voicings , great tone, very expressive! …Your rubato tunes are outstanding! Very creative, very dynamic, very inspirational. …You have great finger facility… Great Job, you made my day!

Lori Andrews / Jazz Harpist

You have that “Keith Jarrett” kind of approach that is very introspective and compelling. You are very deep passionate player. Good accurate pedals and finger facility. You get around on the harp very well. …You have so much going for you and such a marvelous technician!

Felice Pomeranz / Associate Professor of harp at Berklee College of Music

Your arrangements are very beautiful and delicate! You have an excellent technique! You are very good in all the jazz theory. Great pedal movements, great memory.

Monika Stadler / Harpist