NEWS
Symposium 'Sacred Voices' was held
Update: June 14, 2016
ICU's Sacred Music Center held the performance symposium 'Sacred Voices' in the University Church on 4th June. In his opening remarks, the SMC director Matt Gillan spoke of the center's objective of experiencing and learning about vocal traditions in Christianity, Islam, Hinduism and Buddhism, and using the event to build understanding and respect between different communities and traditions.
The symposium lasted 4 hours, during which time the church was filled with sacred sounds. There were also question and answer sessions, where Gillan discussed the meaning and background of each vocal tradition with the performers. The event ended with all performers joined together on the stage to a standing ovation from the audience.
Christianity: Gregorian Chant
Chikako Hashimoto, Director of St. Gregory House with Cappella Gregoriana
Islam:Qur'an recitation
Imam Muhammed Raşit Alas, Tokyo Camii
Hinduism: Vocal Music of India
Guy Beck, US Fulbright-Neru Research Fellow, Adjunct Professor, Tulane University, U.S.
Buddhism: Shōmyō
Ryūkan Kuramatsu, Shingon sect, Chisan branch with Kanshōkai group