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2023/10/30

“SPRING FESTIVAL in TOKYO 2024” PROGRAM ANNOUNCEMENT


The Spring Festival in Tokyo Executive Committee(President:KoichiSuzuki)is glad to announce that one of Japan’s biggest classic music festival “Spring Festival in Tokyo 2024” will be held in Ueno, Tokyo, an area famous for its beautiful cherry blossoms in spring and its historical and cultural attractions from March 15th through April 21th 2024. The festival comprises various concerts –including opera (concertstyle), orchestra concerts, chamber music concerts, and lieder concerts which will be held not only in concert halls but also in museums and various places in Ueno Park.

The Spring Festival in Tokyo began in 2005 as “Tokyo Opera Nomori”and was renamed to its current name in 2009. In commemoration of our 20th anniversary, 4 opera performances (in concert style) will be presented. The Wagner Series, which has become the face of the Spring Festival in Tokyo, will feature Tristan und Isolde with Marek Janowskiconducting and the NHK Symphony Orchestra, and the Puccini Series will featureLa Bohémewith Pier Giorgio Morandiconducting and the Tokyo Symphony Orchestra. Riccardo Muti will perform Aidawith the Tokyo-HARUSAI Festival Orchestra. For this 20th anniversary, the Yomiuri Nippon Symphony Orchestra, conducted by Sebastian Weigle, will perform Elektra, a piece that was featured in the first performance in 2005.

In addition to the above, the 20th anniversary will be celebrated also with Wagner 'Der Ring des Nibelungen' Gala Concert by Marek Janowskiand the NHK Symphony Orchestra, as well as performances by Tokyo Ballet.
Other events feature chamber music and recitals by leading artists from Japan and abroad, including Rudolf Buchbinder, one of the greatest pianists of our time, and singers active in Europe; the popular Museum Concert “Richard Wagner for Kids”in collaboration with the Bayreuth Festival in Germany; and “Concerts in Harmony with Cherry Blossoms,”a small concert in the town of Ueno that was revived this past spring and has received great reception.


“Spring Festival in Tokyo 2024”10 significant points

1. Four operas performed

Four opera performances (in concert style) will be presented. The Wagner Series, which has become the face of the Spring Festival in Tokyo, will feature Tristan und Isolde with Marek Janowski conducting and the NHK Symphony Orchestra, and the Puccini Series will feature La Bohème with Pier Giorgio Morandi conducting and the Tokyo Symphony Orchestra. Riccardo Muti will perform Aida with the Tokyo-HARUSAI Festival Orchestra. For this 20th anniversary, the Yomiuri Nippon Symphony Orchestra, conducted by Sebastian Weigle, will perform Elektra, a piece that was featured in the first festival in 2005.

2. 20th Anniversary Gala Concert & Ballet Performance

As part of the 20th anniversary performances, a gala concert of Wagner Der Ring des Nibelungen Gala Concert by Marek Janowski and the NHK Symphony Orchestra will be held. The world's best Wagner singers will gather in Ueno for a one-night-only concert.
There will also be the first ballet performance held at the Spring Festival in Tokyo in 11 years. Under the title The Tokyo Ballet MIZUKA UENO ON STAGE, the group will present Ravel's Bolero and other ballet masterpieces. This is sure to be a must-see program.

3. Classical music, including opera, orchestra, and chamber music, will be performed by top-notch artists from Japan and abroad.

The Spring Festival in Tokyo has established itself in an unshakable position as a music festival that brings together top artists from Japan and abroad. We have prepared a colorful lineup every year to bring world-class performances to audiences not only in Japan but also in Asia and around the world. In 2024, in addition to concert-style opera and orchestral performances, we will also feature a special performance to commemorate Schoenberg's 150th birthday, a complete concert of Beethoven's piano sonatas that made music history (7 performances in total), and a variety of chamber music performances that introduce the latest music and programs that can only be heard at the Spring Festival in Tokyo.

4. Various series projects unique to the Spring Festival in Tokyo

One of the unique attractions of the Spring Festival in Tokyo is that it brings together the best soloists and orchestras from around the world, providing a unique opportunity to encounter music. From Baroque to contemporary works, we deliver the full appeal of music with a variety of themes and styles.
The “Choral Works Series" will feature Bruckner Mass No. 3 to mark the 200th anniversary of his birth. Be sure not to miss the series of three performances in one day, including the unique “Marathon Concert” as well as the “Lieder Series” and “Discovery Series.”

5. “Museum Concert” are held in the art galleries and museums of Ueno Park

Popular museum concerts will be held in the chambers and auditoriums of Japan's leading art galleries and museums at various locations in Ueno Park. This project, which was started in 2006, features concerts by Japanese and international artists in the majestic spaces of art galleries and museums, tailored to the characteristics of each special exhibition and venue. At the National Museum of Nature and Science, artists who have long been involved in the festival will perform to commemorate the 20th anniversary. At the Tokyo National Museum, there is a series centered on the works of J.S. Bach. A variety of performances unique to the cultural center of Ueno will be offered, including special exhibitions at the Tokyo Metropolitan Art Museum and the National Museum of Western Art, and a collaboration with the VOCA Exhibition at the Ueno Royal Museum.

6. “Tokyo-HARUSAI for Kids” provides a place for children to encounter classical music!

The “Tokyo-HARUSAI for Kids” is a program especially for children who may not have many opportunities of coming in contact with live music, such as those who have yet to start school or those in junior high or high schools. Richard Wagner for Kids Tristan und Isolde which is a production in cooperation with the Bayreuth Festival is directed by Katharina Wagner. Picture Book and Music for Children will be performed with commentaries. Also, Open Rehearsals of opera and orchestra concert will be held.

7. The stage will be the streets of Ueno, with many free events including “Concerts in Harmony with Cherry Blossoms.”

The “Concerts in Harmony with Cherry Blossoms”is a series of free mini-concerts held not only in the Ueno area but also in various locations in Tokyo, including office districts. This past spring, a total of 56 performances were held at 24 locations, bringing music to many audiences. We also plan to hold our events in next spring from around mid-February to mid-April. We will create the ultimate place for people to casually experience music. Be sure to check the event schedule on our official website before you go (details to be announced in February 2024).

8. Live streaming distribution with high image and sound quality and free-viewpoint video

Following on from this past spring, Spring Festival in Tokyo LIVE Streaming 2024 will allow those unable to visit the venue to enjoy live streaming of the festival performances with high sound quality, high image quality, and free-viewpoint video on their home computers or on their tablets or smartphones while traveling. Instructions for purchasing tickets for distribution and viewing will be announced around February 2024.
*Some performances may not be streamed due to rights reasons.

9. 20th Anniversary Special gift for visiting 20 & 5 performances

It is thanks to all our audience guests who have attended and supported the Spring Festival in Tokyo that we are able to celebrate our 20th spring. In commemoration of our 20th anniversary, we have prepared two types of special offers for our visitors.
The first is that all attendees of the 20 paid performances will be invited to a performance (at the Main Hall) and a pair of seats at their choice in 2025! This is a special offer to meet the request of those who want to attend an event at the Main Hall of the Tokyo Bunka Kaikan from their desired seats.
The second is that all attendees of the five paid performances will receive a special Tokyo-HARUSAI bag! We are offering these two gift programs as a token of our gratitude to our many customers who have attended many performances during the event period.

10. 20thAnniversary 200 invitations for 20-year-olds to a rehearsal & sales of special tickets for unlimited access for U-25 (under 25 years old)!

In order to make it easier for the younger generation to enjoy the Spring Festival in Tokyo, in 2024 we will invite 200 20-year-olds to a rehearsal and implement special ticket sales for U-25 (under 25 years old). Unlimited tickets for a total of 26 weekday performances at the Tokyo Bunka Kaikan Main Hall and Recital Hall will be available for U-25, in addition to U-25 ticket sales for each performance; these tickets can be used like subscriptions. This will be the first time for such program at the Spring Festival in Tokyo. (Details to be announced later.)

 

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