The 15th Fresh Concert: Young talents born in Kanagawa resonate in the music hall
The Kanagawa Philharmonic Orchestra's special "Fresh Concert" brings you a spectacular performance by up-and-coming young performers. This 15th edition 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 Special 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 started letting me take piano lessons when I was about 4, so I guess I was just playing the piano when I realized it (laughs).
He has achieved outstanding results in numerous competitions.
I first entered the PTNA competition when I was in the first grade of elementary school. My teacher at the time encouraged me to do so, but I've also loved performing in front of people since I was little, so I just enjoyed entering a competition. So I don't think I was particularly interested in winning an award. However, in many cases, winning a competition gives you the opportunity to perform in a concert, so that was something I looked forward to and my goal.
You already have experience performing with an orchestra.
I've been participating in chamber music and small string ensembles since I was a child, but it wasn't until I was a university student that I performed with an orchestra. Performing a concerto had been my dream since I was a child, so I was very happy. The reason I continued to compete in the PTNA competition wasn't 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, and 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've been to many Kanagawa Philharmonic concerts. Whenever my seniors from the same music school performed with the Kanagawa Philharmonic, I always went to listen and dreamed, "I'll do it too someday!" That childhood dream is about to become a reality, so I'm truly honored.
I'm also happy to be able to perform at Kanagawa Prefectural Music Hall. It's often used as a venue for competitions, and the first time I stood on the stage of the music hall was when I was in the first grade of elementary school. It was my first time performing in such a magnificent hall, and I remember being overwhelmed by its size. I'm truly happy to be able to perform 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. Afterwards, various instruments such as the piccolo are played, so I think it's a song that even people who aren't familiar with classical music can enjoy. I was captivated by its charm from the first time I heard it, and I couldn't stop listening. It also appeared in "Nodame Cantabile." It's a song I've always admired, and it's the one 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 an audience, so I want to cherish each and every one of them and pursue music that reaches the hearts of the audience. For example, when I am invited to school or local events, there are many audience members who normally have no connection to classical music. I hope to be able to convey the charm of music to these people as well.
I have a desire to study abroad, and would like to study at a music school overseas at some point. Right now, I'm not in a position to make any concrete plans, but I would definitely like to take on the challenge once the COVID-19 pandemic is over.
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-stars]
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 PTNA Piano Competition Special 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): ¥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 PM on Saturday, February 27th, to three groups of six people.
[How to apply]
If you would like to receive a viewing ticket, 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 be used to notify you of your winnings. On the day of the performance, please present the winning notification email at the reception desk at the venue, Kanagawa Prefectural Music Hall. A staff member will hand you your ticket.
*Personal information provided will not be used for any purpose other than the lottery.
