Reigakusha

Reigakusha (伶楽舎) is a gagaku ensemble founded in Japan in 1985 by music director Shiba Sukeyasu, who belonged to the Music Department of Imperial Household of Japan. The ensemble is specialized in original commissioned works of modern composers, and new performances of classical gagaku style. Since its formulation, Reigakusha has been actively performing wide range of Gagaku repertoires; from classical standard numbers to modern compositions and restorations of not-inherited songs, and has been called on to the both domestic and oversea concerts and music festivals, and performed many. In particular, they have developed and focused on the original commissioned works of modern composers and the new performances of classical Gagaku style. Such are performed at their independent concerts held twice a year. Specifically, their performance of "In an Autumn Garden" composed by Toru Takemitsu is a prime example of their excellence, which earned enormous praise on the concert at Suntory hall in May 2001. In February 2002, they won the Special Award of Kenzo Nakajima Music Prize, and in the same year, the Grand Prix in the record category of the Japan Art Festival was awarded to their concurrent live CD album "In an Autumn Garden"(Sony Classical). And they premiered new works for the commemorative concert of the reconstruction of Yakushijii Saishoukai, composed by Toshirou Saruya, which concerts won the Grand Prix of Art festival, 2003. In addition to these performances, they organize concerts with approachable commentary in effort to promote Gagaku in the society. They also hold workshops and lecture concerts for school students. "Reigakusha" is an abbreviated name of "Reirinn Gakuyuusha" coming from "Reirin" , who is Ancient Chinese Father of Music. In honor of him, the name was given to the group. They aspire for origins and creativity of Gakaku, while maintaining the freedom to develop its forms. Official website: http://reigakusha.com Read more on Last.fm. User-contributed text is available under the Creative Commons By-SA License; additional terms may apply.