On November 14, the premiere concert of RANJO, composed and directed by Taro Ishida, was featured on NHK program Tochi-Spe.
The program highlighted the first performance of the work, originally presented in January at Nasu Nogahara Harmony Hall. Conceived as an exploration of a new contemporary expression of gagaku, RANJO brings together traditional Japanese court instruments, strings, piano, and synthesizer in a single expanded ensemble.
The performance featured the full ensemble of Tokoyo, joined by a 20-member junior high school choir, lyricist Yukiko Iso, and conductor Sumiko Aoki alongside an extended chorus, creating a multilayered sonic landscape.
The broadcast is also available for streaming on NHK ONE.
Instruments
Taro Ishida – Piano / Synthesizer
Hitomi Nakamura – Hichiriki
Kahoru Nakamura – Gaku-biwa
Hanako Nakamura – Shō
Yoshiyuki Izaki – Ryūteki
Riri Tanaka – Violin
Tatsuya Nanazawa – Viola
Nanami Narita – Cello
Chorus
Nasu Chuo Junior High School Choir (20 members)
Additional chorus members
We extend our sincere appreciation to everyone at NHK who supported this broadcast.
