Another Successful Year Tohoku Youth Orchestra Concert (Video available)
A concert by the Tohoku Youth Orchestra (organized by the orchestra itself, co-sponsored by JA Kyosai Ren, Fuji Xerox Advanced Technology, Mitsukoshi Isetan, and the Morinaga Angel Foundation), composed primarily of children from Iwate, Miyagi, and Fukushima Prefectures affected by the Great East Japan Earthquake, was held on March 25 at the Tokyo Opera City Concert Hall in Shinjuku Ward.
World-renowned musician Ryuichi Sakamoto, as founder of the Children's Music Revival Fund, has been involved in inspecting and repairing damaged instruments, providing broad music support to local schools, and producing this orchestra. This concert marks the second time they have performed, following their debut in 2016. Sakamoto, who also participated in the pre-concert training camp as representative and music director, stated, "Both the children and the adults supporting them continue to reflect on the meaning and significance of continuing this activity, but in truth, we learn the most from the children." For the opening pieces, "The Last Emperor" and "Yaeno Sakura Main Theme," Sakamoto joined the 104-member orchestra, performing on piano. Reflecting on the orchestra's formation, Sakamoto remarked, "Time flies. It's been nearly three years since we started rehearsals. The fourth graders are now sixth graders, and their sound has grown stronger," expressing deep emotion at the children's growth.
Conducting was handled by Toshio Yanagisawa, who is active primarily in the former Yugoslavia. Yanagisawa stated, "This orchestra was born in the wake of the earthquake disaster, and I want to express my gratitude for being given this opportunity. I want this concert to convey the importance, joy, and happiness of creating something together."
The performance also featured the Okinawan folk music group "Unaigumi." Additionally, they presented a medley arrangement combining "Ootori Utaikomi" from Miyagi Prefecture, "Nanbu Yosharé" from Iwate Prefecture, and "Soma Bon Odori" from Fukushima Prefecture. The children then gave a magnificent performance of Gustav Mahler's Symphony No. 1 in D major, "Titan," lasting several tens of minutes, earning thunderous applause from the audience.
Actress Sayuri Yoshinaga, who had said at last year's concert, "Even if they tell me I can't, I want to come again next year," also rushed to attend as a guest. Ms. Yoshinaga herself selected poems praying for peace written by children from Okinawa and Fukushima, and recited them in time with the performance. "For me, thinking about the young people who had painful experiences in the earthquake is important. Since I can't exercise alongside them like athletes do, I struggled with how to encourage everyone. By reciting poetry, I want to convey the feeling of 'Let's do our best.'"
Regarding his song selection, Sakamoto stated, "I chose not only famous songs but also pieces connected to the Tohoku region. By intentionally involving people from Okinawa, I also wanted listeners to feel something like Japan's ancient waterways." On the earthquake, he added, "Even as time passes, I want to continue with the resolve to never forget."
Original merchandise was sold at the venue, with many audience members purchasing T-shirts and scarves to show their support.
Official website: http://tohoku-youth-orchestra.org/
First article: http://dentsu-ho.com/articles/3874
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