Colour of Anyhow is the multi-instrumental duo of Canadian musicians Kumiko Sakamoto (voice, violin) and Christopher Whitley (violin, guitar, electronics).
Inspired by their shared love of Canadian folk music, pop, and Western classical music, Colour of Anyhow draws on a wide array of musical influences to celebrate the songs, stories, and experiences that bring us together. The duo’s original arrangements feature violin, voice, guitar, and electronic elements, creating musical and stylistic through lines that connect centuries of musical traditions.
Partners in life and in music, Sakamoto and Whitley have toured across North America, Europe, and China as the founding members of the Thalea String Quartet, appearing at venues including Carnegie Hall, the Kennedy Center, and Massey Hall. In addition to their work as professional violinists, Sakamoto and Whitley have both garnered acclaim in a variety of musical fields. An award-winning vocalist and musical theatre performer, Sakamoto has premiered a number of new works for voice, and served as a member of the Grammy Award-winning San Francisco Symphony Chorus. Whitley’s training in composition, improvisation, and digital media have led him to release four albums of original compositions, alongside his work as a songwriter and multimedia artist.
Seeking an outlet for their many musical interests, Sakamoto and Whitley formed their duo in 2020 for a series of virtual “at home” performances, including a livestream for the National Art Centre’s #CanadaPerforms series. Upcoming projects include explorations of the music of Beverly Glenn-Copeland, Nico Muhly, and Thomas Morley, and an original composition commissioned by artist Deborah Forbes for her site-specific installation Sea Jellies, premiering in August 2025. The commission is supported by a grant from the Canada Council for the Arts.
Find out more at colourofanyhow.com.