This was a performance given as part of Reigakusha’s regular concert series, on the theme of Oshokun, a legendary tragic heroine who married Kokan‘ya zen‘u （Huhanye Chanyu）, King of the Xiongnu in the Former Han dynasty of China during the reign of Emperor Yuan. As well as “Kitoku,” a majestic Bugaku court dance originating from Ri-zhu-wang the King of the Xiongnu, who lived almost in the same era as Oshokun, and the orchestral piece “Oshokun,” the performance featured the premiere of small ensemble commission piece “Meihi kyoku” by Isaji Sunao on the theme of Oshokun, and the SHIBA Sukeyasu composition “Kokan‘ya zen‘u （Huhanye Chanyu）-The tragedy of O Shokun (Wang Zhaojun)” in which song is an important element (and which featured a guest appearance by SHIMONOTO Ayumi).
By way of the history and legends of Central Asia, one of the places where Gagaku has its roots, this concert of not only classical works but also contemporary Gagaku works based on the classical Gagaku style as well as new works by contemporary composers was an attempt by Reigakusha to shine a multifaceted light on the appeal of Gagaku, an artform which has been handed down from the distant past.