Where the Universe Meets Music with Japan’s Oldest Piano

34

Event Details


Date(s)

October 18 (Sun), the 160th anniversary of Philipp Franz von Siebold’s death

Time(s)

1:00 pm to 4:00 pm

Cost

Ticket Prices (by Seat Type):
A: ¥8,000/ B: ¥5,000/ S: ¥10,000/ SS: ¥12,000 (includes a souvenir)

Journey into the Universe with the Sound of Siebold’s Piano!

Join us at the Kumaya Art Museum in Hagi, home to Japan’s oldest surviving piano, for a special lecture, “Intersection of Space and Music,” by Dr. Haruo Saji, a theoretical physicist. The event will also feature a special performance by harpsichordist Noriko Amano, our special guest from the Netherlands. Reflect on the history and culture of Hagi as you embark on a grand journey through the universe.

Meet the Host

Iori Eguchi | Kumaya Art Museum/ Siebold’s Piano Promotion Project

Iori Eguchi is the director of the Kumaya Art Museum and the 11th-generation head of the Kumaya family, a with around 400 years of history in Hagi.

We hope you enjoy the beautiful sound of Japan’s oldest piano, along with an exploration of the universe and music!

Schedule

  1. Arrival & registration
  2. Enter the concert venue: Kumaya Family Residence
    Venue opens at 12:30 p.m. Those who arrive earlier are welcome to view the museum exhibits before the concert (museum admission not included in the ticket price).
  3. Lecture by Dr. Haruo Saji: “Intersection of Space and Music”
  4. Have a break with a cup of Goemon Coffee
  5. Piano performance with Siebolt’s piano by Noriko Amano
  6. End of event

*Schedule may change due to weather conditions, etc.

Photo Gallery

Concert Flyer (Front)
Concert Flyer (Back)
A glimpse of a concert held at Kumaya Family Residence. Pictured is “200th Anniversary of Siebold’s Piano’s Arrival in Japan: A Concert with a Scenic View” by Tatsumi Moritoki, December 2022
Kumaya Family Residence, a Nationally designated Important Cultural Property
A view of the historic main building from the garden
Our 600-year-old Japanese sago palm and 300-year-old sacred pine tree known as Yogo no Matsu, welcoming you to the garden
Enjoy a moment of mindfulness beneath the woodland Elaeocarpus tree
Goemon Coffee, recreated through the study of Edo-period manuscripts

Treasures Found Here

Japan’s Oldest Surviving Piano, Gifted by Siebold

This piano was given by German physician Philipp Franz von Siebold to the Kumaya family when Siebold returned to Europe at the end of the Edo period. It is believed to be the earliest piano brought to Japan that still survives today.

The Main Building of Kumaya Family Residence

Built in 1768 during the middle of the Edo period, this large townhouse is a representative example of the residences of wealthy regional merchants. It was designated a National Important Cultural Property in 1974. The residence is part of a historical collection dating back to the Edo period, centered around four nationally designated Important Cultural Properties.

Goemon Coffee

Goemon Coffee is a recreation of the coffee Yoshikazu, the fourth-generation family head who received Siebold’s piano, is said to have enjoyed. Yoshikazu commissioned a disciple of Siebold to obtain the coffee, which was considered a rare treat at the time. The Goemon Coffee served at Kumaya today was recreated by deciphering historical documents, and we would be delighted if you gave it a try during the concert.

Information

Date(s)October 18 (Sun), the 160th anniversary of Philipp Franz von Siebold’s death
Time(s)1:00 pm to 4:00 pm
LocationKumaya Art Museum
47 Imauonotana-machi, Hagi-shi, 758-0052
AccessBy Car: A short walk from the Kumaya Art Museum parking lot (free).
By Hagi City Circular Hop-on Bus (Eastern Route): A short walk from the stop from Kumaya Art Museum (E19) bus stop
ParkingPlease use the parking lot in front of the Kumaya Art Museum.
Capacity: 36 standard vehicles and 3 buses.
CostTicket Prices (by Seat Type):
A: ¥8,000/ B: ¥5,000/ S: ¥10,000/ SS: ¥12,000 (includes a souvenir)
Payment MethodCash, Peatix (credit card payment)
Bank transfer for reservations made via phone call
Capacity1–100 people.
Please refrain from participating if you are likely to make noise that could disrupt the lecture or performance.
What to bringPlease wear socks while inside the cultural property. High heels are not permitted when entering the earthen-floor areas.
Please noteThe event will proceed in light rain. If severe weather reaching warning levels is forecast, a decision on whether to hold the event will be made by the morning of the event, with an announcement posted on the event page and other relevant channels.
How to make a reservationTicket Sales
・Peatix
https://peatix.com/event/5067693/view

・Hagi Gakkiten (Irregular holidays; 10:00 am to 6:00 pm)
Tel: 0838-25-2017

・Kumaya Art Museum Reception Desk
(Closed Wednesdays and Thursdays; 9:00 am to 4:00 pm)
Tel: 0838-25-5535

・E-mail: info@kumaya.art

Contact Information
Kumaya Art Museum/ Kumaya Family Residence
https://kumaya.art/
Tel: 0838-25-5535
Reservation DeadlineUntil tickets are sold out (prepayment required)
CancelationsDay before: Must pay 50% of program cost
Same day: Must pay 100% of program cost
No-show: Must pay 100% of program cost

Please note that any bank transfer fees incurred for refunds must be covered by the refundee.
Recommended for…
  • solo travelers
  • families
  • friends
  • couples
  • those who want a once-in-a-lifetime experience
  • those who want to enjoy a concert & lecture inside a cultural property
  • those who like space and music
Keywords:
, ,