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"shō" - written by my Grandpa in 2023.
Henry Liang is a Sydney-based traditional Japanese music performer specializing in the shō, an ancient mouth organ used in Japan’s imperial court music known as gagaku. With a deep commitment to preserving and sharing the rich cultural heritage of Japanese music, Henry brings the timeless sounds of traditional Japan to contemporary Australian audiences. Whether performing at concerts, cultural festivals, or educational events, he offers a rare and authentic experience of Japanese court music in Sydney and across Australia. Bookings are available for solo performances, collaborations, and workshops.
shō | 笙
- is a Japanese wind instrument which produce can produce sound both on inhalation and exhalation, inspiring subsequent free-reed instruments such as the accordion and harmonica.
- consisting of seventeen carefully chosen bamboo pipes shaped symmetrically to resemble a phoenix with folded wings, each pipe is embedded with a tiny metal reed attached by heated tree-resin and bee-wax.
- introduced to Japan from China over 1000 years ago, the shō was first used in Japanese imperial court music known as Gagaku(雅楽). This "elegant music" were performed exclusively for emperors and aristocrats.
- due to the dedication and boldness of individuals such as Miyata Mayumi sensei and Prof. Barbara Ruch, this important art-form continues to live on.
Let's create more spaces where the shō can sing, now, again.
Photo by Bronte Godden