An Introduction to Nohkan with Sakō Yasuhiro
- 20 June 2024
- 17:00 - 18:00
- The Hall, Japan House London, 101-111 Kensington High Street, London, W8 5SA
- https://www.japanhouselondon.uk/whats-on/an-introduction-to-nohkan-with-sako-yasuhiro/
- +44 (0)20 7932 7100
- info@japanhouselondon.uk
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Continuing on the popular performances and talks introducing the musical traditions of the kabuki and Noh theatres, Japan House London is delighted to present an introduction to the role of the flute (nohkan) in Noh theatre. The workshop, designed for participants to actively take part, is led by Sakō Yasuhiro, a flautist of the Morita School of Nohkan recognized as a holder of Important Intangible Cultural Property.
Nohkan is a seven-hole long, slender musical instrument belonging to the transverse flute family. The sound of nohkan serves as a backdrop for various scenes, reflects the emotional state of the characters and builds up dramatic tension. Some of the compositions are associated with particular emotions, while others support dance scenes or serve as an accompaniment for the entrance or exit of the main actor (shite). No matter the function, the distinctive, often high pitched and piercing tone of nohkan evokes complex and deep emotions within the spectators and enhances the impact of the stage performance.
During this intimate workshop, guests can learn about the role of nohkan in Noh performance through a short introduction, and enjoy an expert demonstration of a selection of melodic patterns and practice chanting shōga, a vocalized representation of an instrumental performance, to the accompanying sounds of the flute. Guests who are interested will also be offered the opportunity to try playing the nohkan flute. At the end of the event, guests will have the opportunity to ask questions.
The event is organized in collaboration with the Noh Reimagined festival.
About the collaborators
Sakō Yasuhiro
Sakō Yasuhiro is a flautist from the Morita School of Nohkan. He was born in 1966 in Hyōgo Prefecture and currently resides in Kyoto. He studied nohkan under maser Sugi Ichikazu and made his debut in 1990 in a performance of Yoshino Tenjin. Currently, Sakō Yasuhiro serves as director of the Kyoto Association of Noh Musicians (Kyoto Nohgaku Hayashikata Dōmeikai) and teaches nohkan to a number of dedicated students known as Kō no Kai group. He has been recognized as a holder of Important Intangible Cultural Property.
Noh Reimagined
Produced and curated by Akiko Yanagisawa (Mu:Arts), Noh Reimagined is a series of projects and festivals exploring the 650-year-old Noh theatre tradition. Noh Reimagined presents classical masterpieces by top Noh performers, along with ambitious cross-cultural commissioned works inspired by the art of Noh by both emerging and established British artists from diverse disciplines. In 2024 Noh Reimagined is organized in partnership with The Place, Birmingham Contemporary Music Group, The University of Sheffield, Kings Place, and Aldeburgh Festival (Britten Pears Arts).
Nohkan is a seven-hole long, slender musical instrument belonging to the transverse flute family. The sound of nohkan serves as a backdrop for various scenes, reflects the emotional state of the characters and builds up dramatic tension. Some of the compositions are associated with particular emotions, while others support dance scenes or serve as an accompaniment for the entrance or exit of the main actor (shite). No matter the function, the distinctive, often high pitched and piercing tone of nohkan evokes complex and deep emotions within the spectators and enhances the impact of the stage performance.
During this intimate workshop, guests can learn about the role of nohkan in Noh performance through a short introduction, and enjoy an expert demonstration of a selection of melodic patterns and practice chanting shōga, a vocalized representation of an instrumental performance, to the accompanying sounds of the flute. Guests who are interested will also be offered the opportunity to try playing the nohkan flute. At the end of the event, guests will have the opportunity to ask questions.
The event is organized in collaboration with the Noh Reimagined festival.
About the collaborators
Sakō Yasuhiro
Sakō Yasuhiro is a flautist from the Morita School of Nohkan. He was born in 1966 in Hyōgo Prefecture and currently resides in Kyoto. He studied nohkan under maser Sugi Ichikazu and made his debut in 1990 in a performance of Yoshino Tenjin. Currently, Sakō Yasuhiro serves as director of the Kyoto Association of Noh Musicians (Kyoto Nohgaku Hayashikata Dōmeikai) and teaches nohkan to a number of dedicated students known as Kō no Kai group. He has been recognized as a holder of Important Intangible Cultural Property.
Noh Reimagined
Produced and curated by Akiko Yanagisawa (Mu:Arts), Noh Reimagined is a series of projects and festivals exploring the 650-year-old Noh theatre tradition. Noh Reimagined presents classical masterpieces by top Noh performers, along with ambitious cross-cultural commissioned works inspired by the art of Noh by both emerging and established British artists from diverse disciplines. In 2024 Noh Reimagined is organized in partnership with The Place, Birmingham Contemporary Music Group, The University of Sheffield, Kings Place, and Aldeburgh Festival (Britten Pears Arts).
