Ensemble Humanité is a collaboration between Ayaka Isono, a blind pianist, and Maki Ishii, a sighted violinist, dedicated to sharing the transformative power of music through performance, collaboration, and education. Their mission is to foster meaningful connections, demonstrating that music is not just an art form but a universal language that transcends barriers, uniting people beyond sight, sound, and circumstance.
Together, they create immersive musical experiences that highlight the beauty of artistic dialogue, proving that music is a deeply shared and felt experience. Their collaboration embodies the idea that diverse perspectives enrich artistic expression, reinforcing the belief that music belongs to everyone, regardless of ability.
Both musicians are passionate about disability awareness and inclusive music education. By advocating for accessibility in music learning, they encourage adaptive approaches that empower all musicians. Through performances and outreach, they aim to inspire others to embrace their own artistic voices and to recognize that music is a space where everyone can belong and contribute.
Originally from Japan, both artists came to the U.S. to study music. Ayaka Isono earned a BM and MM in piano performance from Indiana University and the San Francisco Conservatory of Music, while the violinist studied at the Juilliard School of Music and the San Francisco Conservatory of Music before performing with the San Francisco Opera Orchestra for over 25 years. They have collaborated frequently in both the U.S. and Japan, continuously pushing their musicality by taking on challenging repertoire as well as pieces that bring joy and fun to their audiences.
