performances

On 28 January, I premiered Noriko Baba “Murasaki Journal” with a guitarist, Kaori Muraji.

“Murasaki Journal” deeply explores the inner world of the Heian-period court lady and poet, Murasaki Shikibu, drawing from her diary and Waka poems. Noriko Baba, an award-winning composer based in Paris, wrote this piece specifically for my Noh voice and for Japan’s leading classical guitarist, Kaori Muraji.

In early January, we held a rehearsal at the venue, KAZEN HALL, with the composer Noriko Baba in attendance during her visit back to Japan.

Crochet hooks are used for special guitar techniques.

KAZEN HALL is a highly unique concert space, designed to highlight the subtle details and delicate nuances of the human voice and instruments—a richness often lost in larger venues. I believe that we could present the intricate echoes of the Noh voice and the rich tones of the guitar in this superb acoustic environment. The first through sixth floors of the KAZEN Building also house the KAZEN CECCO BONANOTTE MUSEUM, featuring the works of sculptor Cecco Bonanotte. Our guests had the opportunity to explore the museum’s collection before the concert.　The concentration of the capacity crowd was truly remarkable.

KAZEN HALL CONCERT Vol.23
Date & Time: Wednesday, January 28, 2026. 6:00 PM Start (Doors open at 5:15 PM)
Venue: KAZEN HALL (KAZEN Building 7F, 1-5-6 Higashi-Kanda, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo)
Ticket Price: ¥12,000

Part I: The performance of “Murasaki Journal” will be followed by a Talk Session with Kaori Muraji and Ryoko Aoki.
Part II: Solo guitar performance by Kaori Muraji
Ryoko Aoki (Noh voice), Kaori Muraji (Guitar)

This project has actually been three years in the making. The concept is to feature Japanese female poets from the classical, modern, and contemporary eras, commissioning and premiering new works for Noh voice and guitar. This year’s piece was composed by Noriko Baba and focused on Murasaki Shikibu, but next year’s composer will be Yu Kuwabara, with Akiko Yosano as the subject.

The conductor Michiyoshi Inoue also attended the concert.

After the concert, we were treated to a wonderful Italian dinner by Mr. Yazawa, the owner of KAZEN HALL.

The second concert is scheduled for January 27, 2027. We look forward to seeing you there.