Activity Report 2 | National Gallery of Macedonia & University of Skopje
Activity Report 2 | National Gallery of Macedonia & University of Skopje
Gagaku Concerts and Workshops in North Macedonia and Bulgaria
October 7–16 2024
We were honored to present a series of Gagaku concerts and workshops across three cities in North Macedonia and Bulgaria, held five times in total, upon invitation from the local Japanese embassies.
This report focuses on the lecture-concert at the University of Skopje on October 10 and the evening concert at the National Gallery of Macedonia.
University of Skopje – Lecture-Concert
Located in the very center of Skopje, the capital of North Macedonia, the University of Skopje hosted a special lecture-concert that began with opening remarks by President Darija Andovska.
The first half featured classical Gagaku repertoire, accompanied by a lecture introducing the historical formation of Gagaku and its instruments, followed by a hands-on costume experience. Approximately 100 students and university affiliates joined us in singing shōga (traditional Gagaku vocalization), creating an atmosphere of shared exploration.
The second half opened with a performance segment from Mikagura, the sacred court dance tradition, beginning with “Sono Koma – Nincho Mai.” This was followed by a collaborative performance with students from the university’s Department of Ethnomusicology. Together, we performed representative pieces from both countries. In particular, the beloved Macedonian song “Makedonsko devojče” (“Macedonian Girl”) brought the entire hall together in a joyful and unified moment.
National Gallery of Macedonia – Evening Concert
That same evening, a concert was held at the National Gallery of Macedonia, also located in central Skopje. The venue is a beautifully restored 15th-century Ottoman hammam, characterized by its historic dome structure and distinctive architectural atmosphere.
The unique acoustics of the building created a remarkable resonance, enveloping the entire space and offering the audience an immersive sonic experience.
The concert began with a speech by H.E. Ambassador Otsuka of the Embassy of Japan in North Macedonia. The program included:
A reconstructed secret imayō song (“Sekigami”) from a biwa notation manuscript dating back approximately 800 years. This piece was one of three restored works by Professor Nemoto of Kyoto City University, originally cherished by the retired Emperor Go-Shirakawa.
Classical Gagaku repertoire
“Sono Koma – Nincho Mai”
A medley of representative musical works from both Japan and North Macedonia
Following the concert, a reception hosted by the Embassy of Japan was held in the museum garden. Surrounded by the lingering resonance of the performance, guests enjoyed meaningful exchanges and conversations about Gagaku and Japanese culture.
Event Details
Date: October 10, 2024
Venues: National Gallery of Macedonia; University of Skopje (North Macedonia)
Performers:
Motonori Miura (Hichiriki)
Kanako Nakamura (Ryūteki)
Jumpei Ohtsuka (Shō & Wagon)
Hitoshi Usami (Dance)
Art Exhibition: Works by Michiko Torii
Organizer:
General Incorporated Association ENSOPHIA (Presented as SILKROAD JAPAN)
In Cooperation With:
Embassy of Japan in North Macedonia (Commemorating the 30th Anniversary of Japan–North Macedonia Diplomatic Relations), University of Skopje, Ministry of Culture and Tourism of North Macedonia
Grants & Sponsorship:
The Japan Foundation; Tokyo Club Association; Izutsu Planning Co., Ltd.
Photography:
Toru Kara
