The NEC Early Music Lecture by Masaaki Suzuki, musical director of the Bach Collegium Japan, takes place July 1 at Tokyo Opera City Recital Hall. There will also be a cembalo performance as part of the same event.

The lecture and performance will be of special interest to those who want to learn more about Bach's "invention" compositions, his short pieces contrapuntal in nature and generally based on one subject. It is also recommended to any clavier students who have moved on from Bach's invention pieces.

Conductor Suzuki has recorded Bach's works for harpsichord, and in 1990 founded the Bach Collegium Japan, a baroque orchestra that utilizes period instruments and choir and specializes in performances of Bach's "Cantata Series."

The BCJ made its North American debut in 2003, performing seven concerts in six cities, including at New York's Carnegie Hall.

The event starts at 3 p.m. on July 1 at the Tokyo Opera City Recital Hall near Hatsudai Station on the Keio Shin Line. Tickets are 2,500 yen (1,000 yen for students).

For further information, call (03) 3226-5333.