Sukeyasu Shiba's Gagaku Universe will open our 35th anniversary season at Merkin Concert Hall in New York City on February 20th, 2010. The concert will celebrate 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 has commissioned Mai Fu Jin 35, a gagaku piece based on the classical tradition, which will be 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, New York
February 24, Washington D.C.

The second concert at Merkin Hall on February 21st, Highlights of MFJ Commissions II, will focus 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 will be revived and a new commissions by Hitomi Kaneko and Yasuko Yamaguchi will be 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, New York

Reigakusha Gagaku Ensemble
photo provided by Reigakusha

Pianist Stephen Gosling and cellist Fred Sherry
photo provided by Ken Howard

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.