The Tenri Gagaku Music Society of New York was founded in 1979. The Society has performed in such diverse locations as The Newark Public Library. Queens College, at street festivals in Manhattan. and at JFK International Airport. We are an instructional group and welcome new members. The Tenri Gagaku Music Society is affiliated with the Tenri Cultural Institute. 43A West 13th Street, New York. NY 10011 
What is GAGAKU?
 In the 8th century, during the time of Japan's great assimilation of Chinese culture, court music of T'ang China as well as the music of Korea-Manchuria and Southeast Asia was imported into Japan. At the Nara Court of the Japanese Heian dynasty, the tradition of Gagaku, "elegant music," was developed. Gagaku flourished during this period when it was performed at court banquets and at sacred shrines and temples. Gagaku artists actually maintained a secluded existence until the late 19th century when they were brought together at the Imperial Palace of the Emperor Meiji in Tokyo. This music has been well preserved by the dedicated court-musicians and still reflects the ideals of the Heian court. Today Gagaku is performed by and large only on rare occasions. However, today, in addition to maintaining its function as sacred music, it is also being pursued as a highly refined art form in itself, drawing the attention of numerous art students and musical performers.
$15 suggested admission
http://www.tenri.org/arts/gagaku.shtml