Duo Lotos

Dúo Lotos is a musical project formed by violinist Mayumi Kanagawa and guitarist Kanahi Yamashita, two internationally acclaimed performers based in Germany. Their collaboration explores the intimate dialogue between violin and guitar—an uncommon pairing that opens a richly nuanced sonic space where sensitivity, precision, and expressive depth converge.

Inspired by the lotus flower—a symbol of purity and rebirth in various cultural traditions—the duo takes the name Lotos (from the German spelling) and the Chinese character 蓮華 as a reflection of their multicultural identity and artistic vision. Their work bridges tradition and contemporary creation, aiming to expand 21st-century chamber music repertoire through refined, emotionally resonant interpretation.

Mayumi Kanagawa is recognized for the richness of her sound and her compelling stage presence, as well as for an outstanding international solo career, with awards from major competitions including the Tchaikovsky, Long-Thibaud, and Jascha Heifetz competitions. She has performed with orchestras such as the NHK Symphony Orchestra and the Deutsche Kammerphilharmonie Bremen, and she is currently a professor at the Hochschule für Künste Bremen, as well as an ambassador for the Ribbon project of El Sistema Japan.

Kanahi Yamashita began her international career at a very young age performing with the family quintet led by her father, guitarist Kazuhito Yamashita. She trained in Germany and has received recognition in international competitions such as the German Guitar Prize and the Iserlohn International Guitar Competition. Her artistry is marked by refined technique and expressive depth that creates an immediate connection with audiences.