Lyracle: Musicians of the Tenshō Embassy

Multidisciplinary Early Music group, Lyracle, presents a unique program celebrating the musical accomplishments of Japanese students at Jesuit missionary schools in Japan (1549–1613) who became accomplished viol players and singers. European Jesuits ran the schools where music was considered essential learning. Although surviving accounts by the Jesuits about the mission in Japan are laden with racism and eurocentrism, the students were highly gifted musicians. Lyracle honors their achievements through music, storytelling, and readings of historical works, with works by Durante Lobo, Francisco Guerrero, Damião de Góis, and Jacopo Peetrino.

Click here for a taste of Lyracle’s Early Music performances!