On Saturday, February 28th, Austin Zen Center was treated to a special performance of the John Cage composition, “Ryoanji”.

Dr. Michael Martinez, a musician and Professor of Music at Southwestern University, generously offered to perform this piece, based on Cage’s trip to Japan in 1962 and his visit to Ryonaji, a zen temple. Dr. Martinez, on trombone, was joined by two members of AZC’s sangha – Pat Yingst and Sean Shamgar, who each played percussion. Their instruments were unique, as the piece calls for certain sounds (metallic and wooden) without stipulating the exact instrument. Pat brought a cast iron cornbread pan for one of her instruments and played a small Mokugyo, a mini version of the drum used for service. Sean played both a tambourine and a rock plucked from the grounds of the temple.

We extend bows of gratitude to all 3 performers for this unique offering.