10th of June / 19:30

Mysticism and Music – Japan’s Ritual Music

At the threshold between Japan’s mysterious musical tradition—Kagura-uta—and newly composed works for gagaku instruments, this concert offers a meditative exploration of ancient sounds, past and present. The Japanese mouth organ (shō), the hichiriki (a type of Japanese oboe), vocal performance, and the Japanese harp (kugo) alternate between performing songs from the 8th century and contemporary compositions that recontextualize the mysticism and tradition of these instruments within the 21st century.

Particularly noteworthy is the kugo: specially commissioned for the Shirabe Festival 2026, this instrument is a reconstruction of an 8th-century harp and will be heard in Austria for the very first time.

What are Kagura-uta?
Kagura-uta are ritual songs of the Japanese Shintō tradition, originally performed as part of kagura dance ceremonies in shrines. They serve to invite and venerate the deities (kami), combining music, voice, and movement into a spiritual performance.

Musically, Kagura-uta are characterized by clear, often floating melodic lines and a close integration of voice, rhythm, and ritual gesture. Traditionally, they are accompanied by a wind and a string instrument. As part of Japan’s courtly and religious musical heritage, they exist at the intersection of sacred ritual and artistic expression.

Tokyo International Gagaku Orchestra (TIGO)
Kanisasare Ayako (shō – Japanese mouth organ)
Kunimoto Yoshie (hichiriki – Japanese oboe)
Koketsu Takuya (Kagura-uta – vocal)
Sophie Steiner (kugo – Japanese harp)
Julián Ferreira (composition)

​

​

Free admission