The Kanagawa Philharmonic Orchestra's special concert "Fresh Concert" will bring you a spectacular performance by up-and-coming young performers. This will be the 15th time the concert has been held, and will feature Takae Kojima (violin), winner of the Grand Prize in the Junior High School Division of the 35th Kanagawa Music Competition held last year, and Anna Oshiro (piano), winner of the Grand Prix at the 44th Pitina Piano Competition.
Born and raised in Yokohama, Oshiro dreamed of performing with the Kanagawa Philharmonic Orchestra. We spoke to him about his enthusiasm for the concert and his dreams for the future.
What made you start playing the piano?
My mother plays the piano, so I started playing on the piano at home when I was about 2 or 3 years old. My mother saw that, so she made me take piano lessons when I was about 4 years old, so I think I was playing the piano before I even knew it (laughs).
He has had outstanding results in many competitions.
I first participated in the Pitina competition when I was in the first grade of elementary school. My teacher at the time encouraged me to do so, but I also loved playing in front of people since I was a child, so I enjoyed participating in the competition itself. So I don't think I was particularly interested in winning a prize. However, in many cases, if you win a competition, you get the opportunity to perform in a concert, so that was what I was looking forward to and what my goal was.
You have already had experience performing with an orchestra.
I have participated in chamber music and small string ensembles since I was a child, but I didn't perform with an orchestra until I became a university student. It was my dream to perform a concerto since I was a child, so I was very happy. I continued to compete in the PTNA competition not because I was aiming for the grand prize, but because if I made it to the finals, I would be able to perform with an orchestra at Suntory Hall, so I worked hard with that goal in mind.
This time, we will be performing with the Kanagawa Philharmonic Orchestra.
I was born and raised in Yokohama, so I have been to many concerts by the Kanagawa Philharmonic Orchestra. Whenever my seniors who attended the same music school performed with the Kanagawa Philharmonic Orchestra, I would always go and listen, and I dreamed, "I'll do it someday too!" That childhood dream is about to come true, and I'm truly honored.
I'm also happy to be able to play at the Kanagawa Prefectural Music Hall. It is often used as a venue for competitions, so I first stood on the stage of the music hall when I was in the first grade of elementary school. It was my first time to perform in such a magnificent hall, so I remember being overwhelmed by its size. I am really happy to be able to play a concerto with the Kanagawa Philharmonic Orchestra, which I admire, in this historic hall.
Could you please introduce the Ravel Piano Concerto that you will be performing?
It's an impactful song that starts with the sound of a whip. After that, various instruments such as the piccolo are played, so I think even people who are not familiar with classical music can enjoy it. I was captivated by its charm from the first time I heard it, and I listened to it engrossed. It also appeared in "Nodame Cantabile". It's a song I've always admired, and it's the song I wanted to play the most, so I'm really happy.
Please tell us about your dreams as a pianist and your future aspirations.
I have many opportunities to perform in front of people, so I want to treasure each and every one of them and pursue music that will reach the hearts of the audience. For example, when I am invited to school or local events, there are many audience members who are not normally connected to classical music. I hope to be able to convey the charm of music to such people as well.
I have a desire to study abroad, and I would like to study at a music school overseas at some point. Although I am unable to make concrete plans at the moment, I would like to take on the challenge once the COVID-19 pandemic has subsided.
thank you very much!
[Kanagawa Philharmonic Orchestra "15th Fresh Concert"]
[Date and time] Saturday , February 27, 2021, 14:00 start
[Venue] Kanagawa Prefectural Music Hall
[Conductor] Chikara Iwamura
[Co-star]
Takae Kojima (violin) [Winner of the Grand Prize and Kanagawa Prefectural Governor's Award (Grand Prize) in the Junior High School Division of the 35th Kanagawa Music Competition]
Anna Oshiro (piano) [44th Pitina Piano Competition Grand Prix and Minister of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology Award]
[Main songs]
Mozart / Overture to the opera "Theatre Manager" K.486
Mozart / Violin Concerto No. 3 in G major, K.216
Ravel / Suite "Le Tombeau de Couperin"
Ravel/Piano Concerto in G major
*Due to unavoidable circumstances, the performers, songs performed, etc. may be changed.
[Price] All seats reserved: ¥3,000 / Youth (under 25 years old): ¥1,500
[Inquiries] Kanagawa Philharmonic Ticket Service Tel. 045-226-5107 (Tuesday and Wednesday 10:00-13:00) / Ticket Kanagawa Tel. 0570-015-415
*Preschool children are not allowed to enter.
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Applications for this giveaway have now closed. Thank you to everyone who applied.
[Gift application details]
We will be giving away tickets to the 15th Fresh Concert, which will be held at Kanagawa Prefectural Music Hall from 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, February 27th, to three groups of six people.
[How to apply]
If you would like to receive a viewing ticket as a gift, please apply using the application form below. We look forward to receiving your application.
[Application Deadline]
Until 23:59 on Friday, February 12, 2021
[Lottery and Winner Announcement]
Winners will be notified by email, so please be careful of spam settings. The email will be sent by the Magcal.net Management Office (info.magcul@gmail.com).
The above email will serve as the winner notification instead of the announcement of the winner. On the day of the performance, please present the winning notification email at the reception desk of the Kanagawa Prefectural Music Hall. A staff member will hand you the ticket.
*Personal information provided will not be used for any purpose other than the lottery.
