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File.4 Yokohama Minato Mirai Hall Yokohama Bank Presents Children's Future Music Program "Children's Organ 1 Dollar Concert"
(Miyuki Inoue/Copywriter)
Speaking of "Organ 1 Dollar Concert", it is one of the popular events at Yokohama Minato Mirai Hall. You can literally listen to a full-fledged organ concert in the coveted large hall for just 1 dollar (or 100 yen), so long lines form before the venue opens every time.
It is held eight times a year, and in August, the Yokohama Bank Presents Children's Future Music Program ``Children's Organ $1 Concert'' was held, which even children as young as 0 years old could enter. After confirming that the program was not just for children and that even adults could enjoy it, and that there were no age restrictions for admission, I headed out.
I visited when children under the age of 0 were allowed to enter, so the entrance was lined with mothers pushing strollers. These babies are so lucky to be exposed to real music at such a young age! I'm sure they'll grow up to be sensitive adults.
By the way, there is a stroller parking area in the lobby for children's concerts, so don't worry.
Admission fee is 100 yen for both adults and children.
Since it's a ``1 dollar concert,'' you can pay with 1 dollar bills and coins, but you can also pay with IC cards such as Suica.
©Hiratateira
We finally entered the large hall.
I was a little worried because there was a long line even before the doors opened, but the large hall with 2,020 seats didn't budge. It's best to line up early to get your favorite seats, but if you arrive 5 minutes before the show starts, you'll probably have no problems.
When I asked the staff at the hall, they said that for pipe organ concerts, if you are concerned about the quality of the sound, the seats on the third floor are recommended. If you want to enjoy it at the same height as the organ, choose a seat on the second floor, or if you want to see it up close, choose a seat on the side of the stage, depending on your mood that day.
©Hiratateira
The organ installed in the large hall is manufactured by American company CB Fisk. Her nickname is ``Lucy,'' which means ``light,'' as befits her bright, sparkling tone. The hall itself was architecturally designed with the organ in mind, so the entire hall resonates as one musical instrument, and the audience feels as if they are surrounded by the sound of the organ. (From the hall website)
©Hiratateira
This is a carving of a seagull on a case made of Honduran mahogany. The design is wonderful and full of Yokohama's spirit. It's below the pipes in the center, above the music stand, so look carefully.
I had some time before the show started, so I quenched my thirst at the drink corner. Unlike an evening concert, the foyer is flooded with bright sunlight, so it's perfect for a nice chilled white wine.
By the way, a glass of wine comes with a snack for 400 yen. This is also bliss.
And finally, the concert begins.
There are songs you've heard at least once, including JS Bach that you remember learning at school, so you can enjoy them with confidence.
``Aquarium'' from Saint-Saëns's ``Carnival of the Animals'' is impressive because of the mysterious glockenspiel-like sound of the ``celesta'' built into the pipe organ. In "Swan," the simple tones typical of an organ will soothe your soul.
The approximately 40-minute concert concludes with a performance from Elgar's ``Pomp and Condition.'' The pipe organ, which has a wide variety of tones, is sometimes referred to as a ``one-man orchestra,'' and the magnificent performance was worthy of that name, and I was energized and said, ``I'm going to do my best this afternoon!''
On this day, ``animal sable'' souvenirs were sold as ``Children's Organ $1 Plus''. This seems to be a collaboration project with the Nogeyama Zoo Carnival that will be held in two days, and penguin, giraffe, and lion subs will be sold as a set. I don't like special things that are "just for now", so I naturally buy them and take them home. This is also part of the fun.
Yokohama Minatomirai Hall
《Organ 1 dollar concert》
■Wednesday, October 10th 12:10pm Balint Karosi
*There is a $1 night charge! 19:00 start
■November 28th (Wednesday) 12:10 start Yasuko Harada
2019
■January 23rd (Wednesday) 12:10 start Nahomi Shiga
■February 27th (Wednesday) 12:10pm Eric Suter
■March 20th (Wednesday) 12:10 Satoko Kawagoe
《Organ concert for ages 0 and up》
■September 5th (Wednesday) 11:00 start/14:00 start
*For more information
http://www.yaf.or.jp/mmh/index.php
