Two sets of artists present the incredible beauty and poignancy of Japanese arts and culture!

Kitanodai Gagaku Ensemble: "Furoshiki: Interpretations of Treasured Ceremonies from Japan"

The Kitanodai Gagaku Ensemble from Chiba Prefecture in Japan will give contemporary interpretations of age-old cultural and artistic traditions practiced in Japan. Using the formality of traditional ceremonies, their theatrical performance will unfold like turning the pages of a picture book, wherein each ritual is highlighted scene by scene.

Join us to witness and experience the stately Urayasu-no-Mai and Ryo-o Bugaku style masked dances in gorgeous kimonos performed to Gagaku court music, the high art of Ikebana (flower) design, the beauty of Kana and Kanji characters in calligraphy and the quiet meditative quality of Chanoyu (tea ceremony). With a stunning light design by Japanese designer Masakazu Takahashi, this unique presentation will introduce viewers to the artistic and visual beauty of Japanese rituals and life styles while making the Japanese aficionados long for the familiar.

The Kitanodai Gagaku Ensemble artists have presented their performances in many venues in the world- India, Australia, France, Belgium, Luxembourg and other European cities. They perform and teach in Japan regularly.

Masayo Ishigure is a virtuosic musician on the Japanese koto whose repertoire spans a wide range from Japanese music to Bach to Jazz, and whose technical skill on the Koto expands the traditional Japanese instrument into an instrument of universal expressiveness.

Ranked among the best in music circles in Japan and in America, Ms. Ishigure has performed with Yo-Yo Ma, Itzak Perlman, John Williams just to name a few of her outstanding engagements presented in prestigious venues around the world.

Please see Calendar for additional outreach activities at the Umass campus and Wisteriahurst Museum, Holyoke, MA.

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Artist's Website

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Artist's Website