Promusica Baroque Academy is an academic and professional orchestra founded by harpsichordist and continuo player Toshiki Tsumuraya. Its members include concertmistress Rieko Ikeda, principal cellist Toru Yamamoto, principal oboist Go Arai, and principal trumpeter Hidenori Saito, among other accomplished young period-instrument players active in Japan and abroad.
The 《Bunmei Kaika》 concert series, in which each member’s individuality shines; performances of Handel’s 《Messiah》 with a select chorus; and a commemorative concert marking the 350th anniversary of Schütz’s death—among other ambitious presented concerts—as well as lectures by distinguished instructors have all been well received. Partner choruses such as the Yokohama Choral Society, CVP (Collegium Vocale Purafonte), and Chorus Cubiculum Tokyo place their full trust in the ensemble.
In fiscal 2024, the Academy presented Bach’s St. John Passion marking the 300th anniversary of its premiere, and newly launched a complete Bach cantata performance project, with plans to premiere not only cantatas but also newly commissioned works based on the same chorales. Founded by harpsichordist and continuo player Toshiki Tsumuraya, this is an academic orchestra that performs on period instruments. Its members are professional vocalists and instrumentalists active in Japan and abroad.
Since 2024, the 《All Bach Cantatas Project》 has been underway, taking on the challenge of performing the complete cantatas of J.S. Bach over approximately twenty years, on period instruments. The Academy also actively pursues world premieres of 《newly commissioned works based on chorale melodies》 and 《new instrumental works in the Baroque style》, placing strong emphasis on the “creation” of new art.
Crossing the ages with an unquenchable spirit of inquiry, it is the Reiwa-era Black Ship of Japan’s early music world.
History
All Bach Cantatas #abc
Year
Month
Day
City
Vol.
Hall
Program
2024
8
1
Tokyo
1
Toshima Civic Center Multipurpose Hall
BWV 4, 161, 106, commissioned new work by Kae Hirakawa
12
14
Tokyo
2
Komae Ecolma Hall
300th anniversary of the premiere 《St. John Passion》BWV 245
2025
3
7
Tokyo
3
Hakuju Hall
BWV 54, 82, 51, 57
8
Fukushima
3
Kaiseizan Shrine Assembly Hall, Koriyama
BWV 54, 82, 51, 57
Presented by PBA
Year
Month
Activity
2021
9
Inaugural concert 《Bunmei Kaika vol.1》
10
Handel 《Messiah》
2022
8
《Bunmei Kaika vol.2》
10
350th anniversary of Schütz’s death 《The Alemann Enrico Sagittario》
Crowdfunding campaign for the restoration of a Garnier positive organ
Lecture-concert by Kiichi Suganuma and Akiko Kuwagata
2023
4
《Bunmei Kaika vol.3》
11
《DUO — The Art of Ensemble Singing — A Collection of Handel Works》
12
《Misaki on Baroque》
Collaborative appearances
Year
Month
Activity
2022
10
Yokohama Choral Society 71st Subscription Concert BWV 236, 131
2023
1
CVP 1st Concert 《Mass in B minor》BWV 232
3
Yokohama Choral Society 72nd Subscription Concert 《St. John Passion》BWV 245
6
Corte del Traverso 20th Anniversary Concert
2024
1
Chorus Cubiculum Tokyo 《Christmas Oratorio》BWV 248
2
Collegium vocale purafonte 2nd Concert All Bach Program
2025
1
Yokohama Choral Society 73rd Subscription Concert BWV 233, 140
2
Collegium vocale Purafonte 3rd Concert 《St. John Passion》BWV 245
