Learning the fundamentals of classical music from the Kanagawa Philharmonic Orchestra

I want to hear classical music live, but which performance should I go to? What if I'm late for the show? What are some good deals on tickets? Many questions arose. I asked Toru Sakakibara, the music director of the Kanagawa Philharmonic Orchestra (hereinafter referred to as Kanagawa Phil), which continues to sow seeds of inspiration in people's hearts, about the basics of classical music.
(Top image: Photo by Taira Hiradate / Provided by Yokohama Minato Mirai Hall)

How to choose a concert: When a song or performer "clicks" with you...

—First, when someone is wondering, "Which performance should I go see?", what would you recommend as a way to choose?

Sakakibara : How about choosing songs that you've heard before or songs that bring back fond memories, songs that "click" with you in the program? A lot of the music you hear in movies and TV dramas is performed by orchestras. Even if you've never been to an orchestral concert, you'll probably find some familiar songs.

Choosing based on the performer is also a great option. For example, the principal solo concertmaster of the Kanagawa Philharmonic is Yasunao Ishida, a popular violinist known for his unconventional yet classic style. The Kanagawa Philharmonic has many other fascinating performers, so why not listen to a performance by your favorite performer along with a piece that catches your eye?

Photo by Yasuhisa Ishida; Photography by Norizumi Kitada; Universal Music / Provided by Kanagawa Philharmonic Orchestra

Choosing a concert can be based on any reason, whether it's the music or the performers. Live music is completely different from listening to it on CD or YouTube. An orchestra consists of dozens of musicians playing in perfect harmony. The sound is unique to that moment. Experience live music at a concert hall and feel the orchestra's breath. You're sure to be moved.

How to get tickets, information on discounted tickets

—I'd like to buy tickets for a Kanagawa Philharmonic concert. Are there any discounted tickets available?

You can purchase tickets online by accessing "Bluedal Tickets" on the Sakakibara Kanagawa Philharmonic's website.
Purchase tickets here (from the Kanagawa Philharmonic Orchestra's official website)
Kanagawa Philharmonic Official Website: Click here

We also have great value tickets available. The "Youth" ticket, especially recommended for those under 25, is available for just 1,000 yen per seat if there are still seats available a week before the performance. Plus, you can get a second free ticket by showing your ticket stub from a previous performance. It's popular with young people in their first three years of work for their own enjoyment, and with music students for their studies. We also share information on X (formerly Twitter), so please follow us to check for the latest updates.

We will also be accepting applications for membership for the next season's regular concerts starting November 15, 2024. There are two main types of membership: "Series Membership" and "Select Membership." Series Membership allows you to attend all regular concerts in the same venue and from the same seat, with a 30% discount. Select Membership allows you to choose three or more concerts and purchase tickets at a discounted price; a 15% discount applies for three concerts, and a 20% discount for six concerts. Please consider joining.

If you are late

—If I'm late for the show to start, I'll probably just go in midway and cause trouble. Should I just give up?

Sakakibara, there's no need to give up. We have staff available on the day to assist customers who are running late. We will guide you so that you can enter at the right time during the performance. If there are delays in public transportation, the start of the performance may be delayed. Please come safely and without rushing.

rehearsal

—I heard that you can observe rehearsals at the Kanagawa Philharmonic.

Yes , you can watch the rehearsal for free from the viewing gallery on the second floor of the Kanagawa Art Hall. There are limited days when it is open to the public, but you can enjoy a live performance that is different from the actual concert.

Kanagawa Art Hall Official Website: Click here

Yokohama Next Concert 2024 collaborates with Chigasaki Junior High School.

—The Kanagawa Philharmonic Orchestra cites music education for children as a key pillar of its activities. I understand that you hold concerts with junior high school brass bands in Yokohama. Could you tell us more about that initiative?

In 2023, Sakakibara collaborated with Yokohama Municipal Hodogaya Junior High School in Hodogaya Ward, where the Kanagawa Art Hall (which Sakakibara also manages as a rehearsal venue for the Kanagawa Philharmonic Orchestra) is located, and the collaboration was a great success. This year, for the second time, they will be collaborating with Yokohama Municipal Chigasaki Junior High School in Tsuzuki Ward. This connection came about through their advisor, Mr. Asuyama, who serves on the board of directors of the Yokohama Wind Orchestra Association.

The three years of junior high school are a crucial period for a person's development. If a child plans to pursue music in the future, it is important that they have many opportunities to experience music firsthand by the time they reach junior high school at the latest. Experience fosters sensitivity and creativity, and forms the foundation for growth. This aligns with Yokohama City's guideline of providing music education focused on the "next generation." Yokohama City aims to improve the overall music culture of the region by nurturing the next generation of musicians and listeners. With the support of Yokohama City, the Yokohama City Board of Education and the Yokohama Band Association have endorsed this project. We hope that the Yokohama Next Concert will expand the circle of music and increase the number of people who enjoy music.

—What exactly will it entail?

Sakakibara: Titled "Yokohama Next Concert 2024 meets Tsuzuki Ward," it will be held on September 23, 2024, at the Yokohama Minato Mirai Hall Grand Hall. Fukawa Ryo will be joining us as the navigator to liven things up. In addition to being from Yokohama City, Fukawa is also a cousin of Fukawa Yukino, the principal trombonist of the Kanagawa Philharmonic Orchestra. Fukawa's approachability and reassuring presence are certainly appealing.

In addition, Ishida, mentioned earlier, will also participate as a violinist. Ishida herself understands the importance of being exposed to authentic music during the formative years of junior high school. The conductor will be Kanade Yokoyama.

Before the concert, we will hold two pre-concert workshops with the students. The first will be led by conductor Kanade Yokoyama, and the second by the orchestra members. Last year's concert was fantastic, so I think this year's will be just as exciting. I'm really looking forward to seeing what kind of chemistry will result from the collaboration between junior high school students and the Kanagawa Philharmonic Orchestra.
Yokohama Next Concert 2024 meets Tsuzuki Ward Ticket sales: Click here

Kanagawa Philharmonic Orchestra
Official website: Click here
Concert schedule: Click here