Sae Hashimoto (sa-eh ha-shee-moh-toh) is a Japanese-born percussionist. Her wide range of expertise and ever-growing musical curiosity have contributed to her multifaceted career that continues to evolve. Her virtuosity and unwavering commitment make her a sought-after performer in classical, baroque, contemporary and experimental music.
Hashimoto is passionate about performing music by living composers. As a member of piano/percussion quartet Yarn/Wire, as well as Talea Ensemble, she has worked closely with today’s leading voices in contemporary and experimental music including Tyshawn Sorey, Michael Gordon, Øyvind Torvund, Agata Zubel, and Annea Lockwood. A long time collaboration with John Zorn has resulted in premiering over a dozen of his works for the vibraphone, which are recorded on two albums on the Tzadik label.
As an orchestral musician Hashimoto has performed with the New York Philharmonic, New York City Ballet, New Jersey Symphony, and the American Composers Orchestra. She also performs baroque music on her 19th century period timpani with ensembles like TENET Vocal Artists and Clarion Music Society.
Her original music can be heard on a self-titled album by Archipelago X, an improv-based trio consisting of Brian Marsella on keyboards and 2022 MacArthur Fellow Ikue Mori on electronics. Hashimoto and Brian are currently working on a new project for the vibraphone and piano, with a new album set to be released in 2025.
Her love for percussion originated by chance in her 5th grade music class in Osaka, Japan, when she won her first drum set part in an epic game of rock-paper-scissors. She moved to New York City in 2012 to attend the Juilliard School, where she studied with Daniel Druckman and Markus Rhoten, with comprehensive scholarship support from the Kovner Fellowship.
Upon completing her Masters in 2018, she was selected as the percussion fellow for Ensemble Connect, a prestigious program of Carnegie Hall that combines musical excellence with education, advocacy and entrepreneurship.
She currently resides in West Orange, NJ.
Visit Sae Hashimoto’s Website