Discovering gagaku:
An exceptional series at the Maison de la Culture du Japon in Paris 

The Maison de a culture du Japon in Paris is a cultural institution that enables the French public to discover the many facets of Japanese culture, whilst highlighting its contemporary relevance.  
 
This March, the public is invited to explore gagaku, a thousand-year-old musical tradition still performed at the Imperial Court today. Three events are on offer to explore this world: a lecture led by a Japanese musicologist, a lecture-demonstration by composer Tarō Ishida and his musicians, and a concert given by these same artists. 
 
A rare opportunity to discover this ancient musical form, whose sounds resonate uncannily with contemporary creation. 

Lecture, Thursday 19 March, at 6.30 p.m.

Before the Meiji era, gagaku was a musica practica before becoming a symbol of national identity. Seiko Suzuki offers a sensitive approach to this music through the sound philosophy of East Asia, inviting us to listen with our hearts and bodies. 
 
Free event, booking required
Tickets available from 17 February 

Lecture, Thursday 26 March, 8 p.m.

Tarō Ishida is one of the few contemporary composers who incorporates gagaku music into his works. He will present the history of gagaku, the characteristics of its performance, and its instruments.  

Free admission, booking require
Tickets available from 24 February 

Special concert, Friday 27 March, 8 p.m. 
 
Fusing gagaku with contemporary music has always been the ambition of the composer Tarō Ishida, who was recently nominated for Emmy and Grammy Awards for his score for the series Shogun. 
 
Ticketed event (booking required) 
Full price: 20 € - Concessions: 18 €