Japanese traditional music made impact in Beijing

Five musicians from the Contemporary Hougaku Ensemble of Senzoku Gakuen College of Music in Japan travelled to Beijing to perform last night at the Beijing Modern Music Festival, hosted by the Central Conservatory of Music.Led by composer and conductor Masataka Matsuo, the ensemble presented a programme that combined traditional Japanese music with contemporary works. Pieces by Jin Nyodō, Toshiro Mayuzumi, and Hachibashi Kaori were featured alongside compositions by four Chinese composers.Footage from the concert includes a performance of Tsugaru Jongara Bushi by shamisen virtuoso Someya Misato.In an interview following the concert, Masataka Matsuo—who serves on the Japan Society for Contemporary Music (JSCM) committee and directs its public relations section—remarked that contemporary music should not be “written by composers for composers” alone. He expressed support for making contemporary music more accessible and expanding its reach to broader audiences. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit klassikom.substack.com