Performance: Japanese Court Music by the Northern California Gagaku Group

Enjoy the Japanese court music known as gagaku. Gagaku is one of the oldest orchestral forms of music still being performed today. Dating from the 6th Century AD and evolving from the Silk Road traditions in Central and East Asia, gagaku came to Japan in the Heian period (8th C. AD).

Prior to the concert, the Northern California Gagaku Group will explain what gagaku is, its history, and musical instruments the group uses. 

The Northern California Gagaku Group (NCGG) has its roots in the gagaku classes taught at the Institute of Buddhist Studies in Berkeley in the early 1980’s by the Master Imperial Court musician, Suenobu Togi. The current group was formed at the Berkeley Buddhist Temple in 2009 to practice, teach and keep alive the 1000-year-old musical traditions of gagaku. The group members include Bay Area musicians, former students of Suenobu Togi, and former members of the Los Angeles based Kinnara Gagaku group.

About gagaku:

"A type of Japanese instrumental music performed chiefly on ceremonial occasions at the Imperial court and closely resembling the secular music of ancient China during the Tang period." 

Source: Oxford English Dictionary, “gagaku (n.),” December 2024, https://doi.org/10.1093/OED/4098909955.

• Tōgi, Masatarō. Gagaku: Court Music and Dance. New York: Walker/Weatherhill, 1971.
• Kyoto Imperial Court Music Orchestra. Gagaku. Performed by Kyoto Imperial Court Music Orchestra and Katsumasa Takasago. New York: Lyrichord, [2004]. Accessed October 31, 2025.
• Ōno, Tadamaro, and Tokyo Gakuso (Gagaku orchestra). Japan: Gagaku: Court Music of Japan (Music CD, 2000). Victor Entertainment Inc. Accessed October 31, 2025.

Connect:

Northern California Gagaku Group (NCGG) - Website

International Center at SFPL - Website | International Center eNewsletter - Website (Signup Page)

Art, Music & Recreation Center at SFPL - Website