Terry Riley Marks 60 Years of ‘In C’ with Special Ceremony at Kiyomizu-dera

Terry Riley, considered the founder of minimal music and celebrating his 89th birthday in June, will hold a dedication performance honoring the 60th anniversary of his iconic work “In C” at Kiyomizu-dera in Higashiyama, Kyoto on Sunday, July 21st.

“In C,” composed in 1964, is described by Riley himself as a symbol of his musical identity and remains a quintessential piece of minimal music performed worldwide. This event, fulfilling Riley’s strong desire to celebrate “In C’s” 60th birthday, will feature his personal reflections on the piece and its connection to Kyoto. Riley’s participation marks his return to performing after retiring from “In C” in 2009 and declining numerous offers over the years. Joining him in the dedication performance are approximately 50 musicians including his disciple SARA (Sara Miyamoto), Kazutoki Umezu, Yumiko Ohno (Buffalo Daughter), and Shuta Hasunuma.

Taking place on the full moon of July 21st, against the backdrop of Kiyomizu-dera’s main hall, a UNESCO World Heritage site, this event promises to be a rare opportunity to experience these renowned compositions under the moonlight.

Tickets sold out as soon as they went on sale. Limited edition goods commemorating the 60th anniversary of “In C” are available at the official online store.

＜From Terry Riley, regarding the event＞
The moment when parts of the song “In C” came to me was one night in 1964. At that instant, I was riding a bus. I made a living playing ragtime piano in a saloon on Gold Street in San Francisco.

This piece, as if it were an event eagerly awaited by the world, became incredibly famous and has been performed countless times worldwide over the years.

Today, in 2024, I had the idea to celebrate the 60th anniversary of “In C” with a performance. It’s like a birthday party for a “grown-up girl,” so to speak.

After considering various options, I felt Kyoto would be ideal. The city’s spiritual atmosphere aligns well with the intentions of the piece “In C.”

I am excited at the thought that with the participation of many musicians, this will become a historical celebration dedicated to the universe.

The wonderful and significantly important temple, Kiyomizu-dera, in Kyoto seems like the perfect venue for this celebration. It will even protect us if it happens to rain.

After retiring from performing “In C” following a concert at Carnegie Hall in New York in 2009, I had no intention but to make an exception for this celebration in Kyoto.

I am grateful to everyone who helped to make this idea a reality, especially Mr. Hidezane Ōnishi, Mr. Shūichi Nakamura, and Mr. Hajime Miyamoto of Kiyomizu-dera. Lastly, I thank all the musicians who came to celebrate the 60th anniversary of “In C.”

June 2024 Terry Riley