Institute for Medieval
Japanese Studies

February 15, 2007 (Thursday)
The Ancient Asian Harp Reborn
Bo Lawergren (Professor Emeritus, Hunter College) and Tomoko Sugawara (Harpist and Kugo Player)
301 Philosophy Hall, Columbia University (116th St. and Amsterdam Ave.)
6:00 – 8:00 PM

The angular harp, with an L-shaped body, arose in Mesopotamia around 2000 BCE and, following the Silk Road, reached China and eventually Korea and Japan. Artists in all the cultures it penetrated loved to depict its beautiful shape and their local musicians playing it. Around the year 1000 CE, however, the European harp of irregular triangular shape emerged, and by 1600 the angular harp vanished. Recently, music archeologists have reconstructed the angular harp (called the kugo in Japan and konghou in China). The lecture will include a kugo performance of resurrected ancient tunes from T’ang China and Nara Japan as well as modern pieces composed for the kugo.

Co-sponsored by the Donald Keene Center of Japanese Studies, as part of the of the “Ancient Soundscapes: New Echoes from Japan's Musical Past”Program Series

February 22, 2007 (Thursday)

Gagaku Concert: From the Classiscs to T. Takemitsu and H. Miura
Performers: Hitomi Nakamura, Takeshi Sasamoto, Mayumi Miyata, Naoko Terauchi, and Jacqueline Leclair
Low Library, Columbia University (116th St. and Broadway)
6:00 – 7:30 PM Concert, 7:30 – 8:30 PM Reception

This concert will feature pieces from the classical repertoire as well as contemporary compositions by Tōru Takemitsu, Takeshi Sasamoto, and the world premiere of Hiroya Miura's Gossamer Lattice (Kasane Gōshi).

Featuring:
Hitomi Nakamura – hichiriki
Mayumi Miyata – shō
Takeshi Sasamoto – ryūteki; biwa

With contributions by
Naoko Terauchi – kakko; koto
Jaqueline Leclair – oboe

Concert Program

Co-sponsored by the Donald Keene Center of Japanese Studies, as part of the of the “Ancient Soundscapes: New Echoes from Japan's Musical Past”Program Series

February 23, 2007 (Friday)
Master Class for Columbia University Gagaku Ensemble students

Columbia University
4:00 PM – 6:00PM

Students in the Columbia University Gagaku Ensemble will receive individualized instruction in the performance of their chosen instruments.

February 24, 2007 (Saturday)
Open Workshop for Musicians and Composers (Beginners welcome)
403 Kent Hall, Columbia University (116th St. and Amsterdam Ave.)
10:00 AM – 4:00 PM

Professional musicians, composers, as well as beginners will gain hands-on experience with gagaku instruments, guided by the visiting artists.

Prior registration is required for this event. Please send an email to This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it , or send a fax to 212-854-1470, to request a registration form. Space will be offered on a first-come, first-served basis. Registration forms will be accepted until February 16.

Workshop photographs

Co-sponsored by the Donald Keene Center of Japanese Studies, as part of the of the “Ancient Soundscapes: New Echoes from Japan's Musical Past”Program Series