Sukeyasu Shiba's Gagaku Universe opened our 35th anniversary season at Merkin Concert Hall in New York City on February 20th, 2010. The concert celebrated both Mr. Shiba’s accomplishment as a performer, composer, researcher, educator, and advocate of gagaku, as well as Music From Japan’s achievements in introducing American and world audiences to music and culture of Japan.

For the occasion, Music From Japan commissioned Mai Fu Jin 35, a gagaku piece based on the classical tradition, which was premiered along with commissioned dance segments to four movements from Mr. Shiba’s Shotorashion, suite for gagaku ensemble, and other works by his Reigakusha Gagaku Ensemble. more info

February 20, 2010 New York
February 24, 2010 Washington D.C.

The second concert at Merkin Hall on February 21st, Highlights of MFJ Commissions II, focused on past commissions by Music From Japan, as well as two new commissions for the occasion. Works by Hikaru Hayashi, Shin-ichiro Ikebe, and Sunao Isaji were revived and new commissions by Hitomi Kaneko and Yasuko Yamaguchi were premiered by members of the Reigakusha and Music From Japan Chamber Ensemble featuring pianist Stephen Gosling, cellist Fred Sherry, percussionist Eric Poland, the Cassatt String Quartet and conductor Yasuaki Itakura. more info

February 21, 2010 New York

Music From Japan Chamber Ensemble
photo by Ken Howard

Cassatt String Quartet with Mayumi Miyata
photo by Ken Howard

Eriko Sato and Tom Chiu
photo by Ken Howard

Looking Ahead to 2011

Music From Japan is excited to present Flutes from East and West featuring the collaboration of Kohei Nishikawa and Elizabeth Brown in program of contemporary works for traditional Japanese and western flutes. Stay tuned for more info.

About Music From Japan

Founded in 1975 by current Artistic Director Naoyuki Miura, Music From Japan continues to preside as the leading presenter of Japanese contemporary and traditional music in the United States and the world. After two decades of touring throughout North and South America, Central Asia and Japan, Music From Japan has presented nearly 400 works, including 59 world premieres and 48 commissions (for both Japanese and American composers). Over the course of 33 years, approximately 130 Japanese composers have been showcased, as well as many traditional Japanese pieces. Music From Japan was honored for its activities when the organization received the Japanese Foreign Minister's Commendation in July 2007. Most recently, Mr. Miura was awarded the Commissioner of the Agency of Cultural Affairs' Award in December 2007.

Become a Tomodochi

Your individual contribution of $50 or more helps us continue the concerts and programs designed to bring you closer to Japanese culture. Tomodachi receive special discounts on concert tickets, priority seating for all our programs, and invitations to special receptions and forums. The Tomodachi contribution and ticket order form is available from Music From Japan. Please email us at: mfjrc@aol.com.