Children perform with an orchestra! Kanagawa Philharmonic "Dream Concert"

Go, see, and feel the world of art
File.11Kanagawa Philharmonic Orchestra "Dream Concert"
Miyuki Inoue (Magcal Editorial Department)

The Kanagawa Philharmonic Orchestra's "Dream Concert" is a wonderful project in which children visit elementary schools in the prefecture and experience live orchestral performances. It is very attractive that there is also a collaboration project where everyone "makes music" rather than just listening to the performance. I thought that I would be able to hear a wonderful sound, so I asked the Kanagawa Philharmonic Orchestra to participate.

On this day, I visited Yokosuka Municipal Tsukui Elementary School. Prior to the concert, the orchestra members held a workshop last December. The school is filled with an atmosphere that welcomes the Kanagawa Philharmonic Orchestra and is very friendly.

The Kanagawa Philharmonic currently has about 70 members, and more than 50 of them will participate, making it a full-fledged orchestral concert.
The members gathered in the morning and first rehearsed thoroughly. Even during the lunch break, you can see the scenery of detailed meetings and confirmations for each part, and you can feel the euphoria for the performance in a calm atmosphere.

And finally, child admission!
Lower grades have castanets and keyboard harmonicas, and higher grades have recorders. It may be that the feelings of "finally" are increasing among the children.

In Yokosuka City, fifth graders are given the opportunity to experience a concert by the Kanagawa Philharmonic Orchestra at the Yokosuka Arts Theater. However, it must be the first time for most children to touch a real orchestra. The unusual atmosphere of the gymnasium made my heart pound a bit.
First, the prelude from "Carmen" composed by Bizet, and "Farandole" from "Woman de Arles", are familiar songs.

Suddenly great power!
Conductor Mirai Abe is also in high spirits!
A lot of musical instruments sound all at once, and the volume seems to overwhelm them.

Next, while introducing the instruments of the orchestra, each selected a familiar song and performed the tone. Some children hum the melody unintentionally, and it's kind of fun. Even though it's the first instrument you see, you might feel a little closer.

The violin was introduced by Principal Solo Concertmaster Yasunao Ishida. It's such a luxury to be able to hear Mr. Ishida's violin so close. Larger instruments seem to be more popular with children, and the tuba is very popular!

Now it's time to present the results of the workshop.
In the lower grades, he participated in L. Mozart's "Toy Symphony" with castanets and keyboard harmonica.
On the other hand, in the upper grades, I participated in Elgar's "Pomp and Circumstances" with the recorder!

As many of you may know, “Pomp and Circumstance” is a song that is performed at the end of summer festivals held every year in the UK, and it is very exciting. The dramatic sound of the orchestra is combined with the melodies that the children play with all their might, creating sparkling music that can only be experienced here. I feel strangely happy

Next, they sang along to Tsukui Elementary School's original song "Minna Tsukuikko." Actually, this song was written and composed by the students of Tsukui Elementary School and arranged for the orchestra. It's amazing... I can hear the children's songs in the orchestra and sing them together!
At the end, the hot energy of Sibelius's "Finlandia" envelops the entire gymnasium. Magnificent and beautiful music deserves to be expressed in the word "impression".
For the encore, everyone sang the school song specially arranged for the orchestra. In addition, a CD of the same song recorded by the Kanagawa Philharmonic will be presented!
If you participate in this program, I'm sure there will be more children who think, "Orchestra is cool!" The future of classical music in Kanagawa may be bright!

After the performance, we asked the members of the Kanagawa Philharmonic about their impressions of the day.

I am only in my fourth year, but I am grateful that every school welcomes me warmly every year. Since the children are so close to me, it's fun to directly feel that they might be a little sleepy or that they're listening intently. (Mirai Abe/Conductor)

The corner where everyone sings in chorus and plays together is wonderful. I think that there are many children who are hearing an orchestra for the first time, but I think it is a wonderful experience to create the atmosphere of the venue together. (Marie Koyama/Oboe)

When we hold a concert in the gymnasium, where we usually have physical education classes and morning assembly, everyone becomes a stranger (laughs). It may be a little different than a concert hall, but what we do is the same. I can feel that everyone is happy with my skin, so I'm more impressed this way. (Nobuyuki Hirao/Percussion)

This year's "Dream Concert" ended before the spring break with happy memories. I'm looking forward to next year's next fiscal year as well, thinking that there will be many encounters with various kinds of music.