GAGAKU is a traditional performing art that has been handed down for over 1,200 years, and which combines ancient Japanese song and dance with music that came from neighboring countries. While we carry on this tradition in its conventional form, we contribute to the development of GAGAKU by exploring and discovering completely new possibilities, taking on the challenge of new works that incorporate modern sensibilities and new performance techniques. With this concert, we also aim to cultivate performers’ planning capabilities, and the program is structured so that both those who are very well versed in GAGAKU and those who are experiencing GAGAKU for the first time can enjoy it. In terms of classical GAGAKU music, we have selected a prestigious piece called KISYUNRAKU, which offers a unique melody with no beats in the opening, and a melody consisting of slow beats in the middle section. The contemporary music in the program comprises SHIBA Sukeyasu’s classic-style ryuteki solo work GEKKAMON, and SOUANNOKAI featuring hichiriki and biwa. With regard to new compositions, the concert includes a new work by Rinyuukai member SAOTOME Ai called AMENOMORI, and SAI, a commissioned piece by TAKAHASHI Kumiko, a composer capable of drawing out the charm of each GAGAKU instrument to the full. This program will give audiences a sense of the contrast between the classic and modern styles.