Japanese Buddhist Chanting (Shomyo) and Shirabyoshi Performance by Makiko Sakurai
Department: East Asian Studies
Date and Time: October 2, 2014 | 3:00 PM-4:30 PMEvent Location: Nixon Theater
Event Details
Makiko Sakurai performs Japanese Buddhist chanting (shōmyō) and shirabyōshi dance in a lecture/performance at the University of California, Irvine. This two-part performance offers a rare look at music and dance of Japan's Heian and Kamakura periods (794-1185).
Shōmyō, associated with the Tendai school of Buddhism, is performed at Buddhist services, generally by monks. It has long been a component of religious ceremonies at Buddhist temples.
Shirabyōshi is a music and dance form in which female artists perform in male garb. Shirabyōshi performers became quite famous at the end of the Heian period, entertaining the high nobility and even appearing at the Retired Emperor's palace.
In addition to shōmyō and shirabyōshi, Sakurai Makiko has studied ryu-teki, a flute used in ancient court music known as gagaku, and the music of itako, female shamans of southern Aomori prefecture.
Her broad interests include Jewish religious music and the music of the Navajo and Hopi peoples, both of which she has studied in their native settings. She has composed pieces for the Noh and puppet theaters, as well as a combination of Magrib (western Arab) and Japanese music for her "Arab Shirabyōshi Project."
Her music can be found on two CDs, "The Night Chant" and "Izutsu," both released on the Tzadik label.