神奈川フィルハーモニー管弦楽団に学ぶ、クラシックの基本の「き」

I want to hear classical music live, but which performance should I listen to? What if I'm late for the show? What are the best deals on tickets? Many questions arise. We spoke to Toru Sakakibara, Music Director of the Kanagawa Philharmonic Orchestra (hereafter referred to as Kanagawa Philharmonic), which continues to sow the seeds of inspiration in people's hearts, about the basics of classical music.
(Top image: Photo by Taira Tatehira / Provided by Yokohama Minato Mirai Hall)

How to choose a concert: If a song or performer strikes you as a perfect fit

-First of all, when you're thinking, "Which performance should I go to see?", how do you recommend choosing?

Sakakibara : Why not choose a song you've heard before or one that brings back memories, something that really catches your eye? A lot of the music in movies and TV dramas is performed by orchestras. Even if you've never been to an orchestra concert, you'll probably find a song that sounds familiar.

Another good option is to choose based on the performer. For example, the Kanagawa Philharmonic's principal solo concertmaster is Yasunao Ishida, a popular violinist who is unique yet follows a traditional path. The Kanagawa Philharmonic has many fascinating performers, so why not try listening to a performance by a performer you're interested in along with a piece that catches your eye?

Tickets can be purchased online by accessing "Blue Dal Tickets" on the Sakakibara Kanagawa Philharmonic's website.
Purchase tickets here (Kanagawa Philharmonic official website)
Kanagawa Philharmonic official website: here

There are also discounted tickets available. The "Youth" ticket, available to those under 25, is especially recommended. If there are seats available one week before the performance, you can purchase one for 1,000 yen. What's more, if you show the ticket stub from a performance, you can enter for another free time with a "refill" offer. It is popular with young people up to about their third year of working life for their own enjoyment, and with music college students for study. We also post information on X (formerly Twitter), so please follow us to check the latest information.

Additionally, we plan to start accepting applications for membership for the next season's regular concerts from November 15, 2024. Broadly speaking, there are "series membership" and "select membership." Series membership allows you to listen to all regular concerts in the same venue and in the same seat. The discount rate is 30%. Select membership is a system that allows you to purchase tickets for three or more performances at a discount, with a 15% discount for three performances and a 20% discount for six performances. We hope you will consider joining us.

If you are late

--If I'm late for the show, I might end up joining in the middle and causing trouble. Should I just give up?

Sakakibara : There's no need to give up. We'll have staff on hand to assist latecomers on the day. They'll guide you so that you can enter between performances at the right time. If there are delays to public transportation, the start of the show may be delayed. Please arrive safely and without rushing.

rehearsal

-I heard you can watch rehearsals at the Kanagawa Philharmonic Orchestra.

Sakakibara : Yes, you can watch the rehearsal for free from the viewing gallery on the second floor of Kanagawa Art Hall. The rehearsal is only open on limited days, but you can enjoy a live performance that is different from the actual performance.

Kanagawa Art Hall official website: here

Yokohama Next Concert 2024 collaborates with Chigasaki Junior High School

- The Kanagawa Philharmonic Orchestra has cited music education programs for children as an important pillar of its activities. I understand that you have held concerts with brass bands from junior high schools in Yokohama. Finally, please tell us about these efforts.

Sakakibara 2023 ended with great success, with a performance with Yokohama Municipal Hodogaya Junior High School in Hodogaya Ward, where the Kanagawa Art Hall, the Kanagawa Philharmonic's rehearsal venue and designated manager, is located. This year, for the second time, we will collaborate with Yokohama Municipal Chigasaki Junior High School in Tsuzuki Ward. This connection was made through the fact that our advisor, Mr. Asuyama, is also a director of the Yokohama Wind Orchestra Federation.

The three years of junior high school are an important period for personal growth. If children plan to pursue a career in music in the future, I want them to have plenty of hands-on musical experiences by junior high school at the latest. Experiences develop sensitivity and creativity, and serve as a foundation for growth. This ties in with Yokohama City's policy of providing music education focused on the "next generation." By nurturing the next generation of musicians and listeners, Yokohama City aims to improve the musical culture of the entire region. For this reason, we have received support from the Yokohama City Board of Education and the Yokohama Wind Orchestra Association. We hope that this Yokohama Next Concert will expand the circle of music and increase the number of people who are interested in music.

- What exactly will it be about?

Sakakibara 's "Yokohama Next Concert 2024 meets Tsuzuki Ward" will be held in the main hall of Yokohama Minato Mirai Hall on September 23, 2024. Ryo Fukawa will be the host, helping to liven up the event. Fukawa is not only a Yokohama native, but is also a cousin of Yukino Fukawa, principal trombonist of the Kanagawa Philharmonic Orchestra. Fukawa's friendliness and sense of security are what make him so appealing.

The aforementioned Ishida will also be participating as a violinist. Ishida himself understands the importance of being exposed to real music during impressionable times such as junior high school. The conductor will be Yokoyama Kanade.

Before the concert, we will hold two pre-concert workshops with the students. The first will be conducted by conductor Yokoyama Kanade, and the second by the musicians. Last year's concert was a rousing success, so we expect this year's will be just as exciting. What kind of chemistry will emerge when junior high school students and the Kanagawa Philharmonic Orchestra collaborate? We're looking forward to this live performance.
Yokohama Next Concert 2024 meets Tsuzuki Ward Ticket sales: here