Ueno is one of the rarest and most spectacular spaces for art in the world. What makes Ueno, and Ueno park special, is its history and heritage of over 100 years of development of centers of art, culture and education. In the Edo era, Ueno was a small hill famous for it's cherry blossoms. It was also a place where the masses gathered to enjoy the beauty of the blossoms, to celebrate the moment, to feast and drink, and enjoy a moment in life. Intoxicated by the flowers, the beauty and the drinks, this was a place for memories, and a place to immortalize the seasons.
"Spring Festival in Tokyo -Tokyo Opera Nomori 2010-" which is celebrating its 6th year, is trying create a space where music meets the cherry blossoms again, and where people can celebrate the coming of spring.
Tokyo is well known for its festivals. For example the "Kanda Matsuri", along with many others, have lasted for hundreds of years.
These festivals have been supported by the community, and continue to be a source of joy to many. On the other hand, although classical music has a history of over 100 years in Japan, festivals that center around classical music have not yet been able to take root, quite often dying off due to lack of support.
"The most important thing, is continuity. Even some of the most famous music festivals around the world have been through hard times. There were even times when people laughed saying that there are more performers than the audience. It was because they were able to overcome those times, that we have what we have now".
Those were the comforting words of Riccardo Muti, giving us the will to move on and further develop "Tokyo Opera Nomori". There were big debates over how to move this festival to the next stage. There were times when the most logical conclusion was to close down. However in the summer of '08, we came to the conclusion to go back to the basics, and move forward with a vision and action plan for the next 10 years.
We firmly believe that as the cherry blossom buds prepare for full blossom, and the winds give hint of the coming of spring, this celebration of music will become a centerpiece for celebrating the coming of spring in Tokyo. This year, we are honored to have Riccardo Muti conduct "Carmina Burana". And with the assistance and support of friends from abroad, we will be able to present "Parsifal", the first of the "Wagner Series" with NHK Symphony Orchestra, Tokyo, along with 40 other performances throughout the event.
We are looking forward to seeing you at Ueno, for music, the cherry blossoms, and the celebration.
