Ryosuke
Sakamoto
Lute and viola da gamba (various fretted plucked and bowed instruments from the Middle Ages to the Classical period), voice (tenor)
Roots
I was born and raised in Nara, Japan. The city is known as the former capital of Japan in the 8th century.
Study
After studying aesthetics at the University of Tokyo, I came to Switzerland to study lute and especially Renaissance music at the Schola Cantorum Basiliensis.
Professional
I play lute and viola da gamba in various ensembles. Since 2022 I teach historical plucked instruments at the Hochschule für Musik in Würzburg.
Why
Renaissance music always inspires and interests me and I can’t stop playing the lute.
Elective Affinities
Charlie Chaplin’s films have had a strong influence on me since I was a child. And his film music was probably the first experience that fascinated me when listening to music.
2026
June
Ach, wie grausam – A que vile
Songs for a mysterious ladySa Nydeggkirche, Bern
Su Barfüsserkirche, Historisches Museum Basel
September
Quodlibet
Puzzles, fun and gamesKirche Reigoldswil &
Barfüsserkirche Basel
October
The Queen’s Singers
The extravagant court chapel of the TudorsMartinskirche
Basel
November
Byrd & the Baron
A secret ChristmasBarfüsserkirche
Historisches Museum Basel
