Date / Venue
25th January : Maison du Japon, Cité internationale universitaire de Paris
26th January : Athene Theatre, Rueil-Malmaison
Program Wagon "Teiryo", "Kosaibari-no-netori", Presentation of Gagaku instruments, Kangen "Hyojo-no-netori", "Etenraku", Roei "Kashin", Presentation of Costumes, Bugaku "Ryoo", "Kanshu"

Co-Operation ：All Nipponn Airways

　　　Under the title of “Japonismes 2018 in France: Concert of Gagaku”, a gagaku concert was held at the following venues: One on January 25 at Maison du Japon, Cité internationale universitaire de Paris and the other on January 26 at Athene Theatre, Rueil-Malmaison, located in the suburb of Paris. Both concerts were well received.
　　　The concerts at these two venues were designated by the Japan Foundation as part of the Japonismes 2018 events which were planned to celebrate the 160th anniversary of the Japan and France Friendship year.
　　　The theme of “Japonismes 2018” was “Resonation of the soul” which became the mutual concept for both countries and the various events for “Japonismes 2018” were held in and around the capitol city of Paris from June, 2018 to February, 2019. These events were focused on “the unique sense of Japanese beauty whose spirituality came from the great nature, not from the materialistic, which were characteristic of Japanese culture; “Interminglement of foreign materials and their harmony”.
　　　It was a major event to introduce Japanese cultures through varieties of Japanese arts such as the ancient earthenwares from Jyomon era, a gagaku concert by the Imperial Household Agency, noh and kabuki performances, Itoh Jyakuchu exhibition, Fujita Tsuguharu exhibition and a modern high-tech art exhibition.
　　　On this occasion, the Kitanodai Gagaku Ensemble participated to perform kangen, bugaku and roei while placing an emphasis on the gagaku instruments and costumes which have the history of one thousand and five hundred years. The Ensemble’s wish was to make gagaku easier with a variety of musicality for French people to understand and to make them acquainted with the music as well. The performance was well received by the audience.
　　　Especially, the performance at Rueil-Malmaison was part of an exchange program between Rueil-Malmaison city and Togane city of Chiba which are sister cities for a long time. Mr. Naoharu Shiga, former mayor of Toigane city and Mr. Rikuro Shikama, current mayor of Togane city made a great effort for this performance to happen. In France, Mr. Patrick Ollier, mayor of Rueil-Malmaison, Mr. Philippe Trotin, deputy mayor and all the staff of the city welcomed us and managed the entire concert.