University of Washington. Gagaku Group recordings: UW Gagaku Group, 1965-05-13

Gagaku (literally, "elegant music") refers to Japan's court music and dance. It is the oldest continuously practiced tradition of classical music in the world, with sounds and rhythms that blend Silk Road traditions with Indigenous Japanese cultural arts. Gagaku dates back to the 700s (Heian-era Japan) and made its debut on the international stage only 55 years ago in New York at the United Nations' General Assembly Hall. Since then only seven U.S. cities have had the privilege of a visit by the Imperial Household Agency's Gagaku ensemble.