The Kurashiki Citizens’ Orchestra “Kurashiki Orchestra” has been active in Kurashiki for more than 50 years.
At its annual subscription concert, many people of all ages come to enjoy the performance. The authentic classical music delivered by the Kurashiki Orchestra adds color to Kurashiki’s musical culture.
At the subscription concert, which will be held for the 52nd time in 2026, the program will include pieces featuring the Wagner tuba, an instrument rarely seen.
Here’s an introduction to the Kurashiki Orchestra’s 52nd Subscription Concert.
The information provided was current when this article was published in August 2026. Please note that it may differ from current information.
What is the “52nd Subscription Concert”?
The 52nd Subscription Concert will be held on September 6, 2026 (Sunday) at Kurashiki Civic Hall.
The Kurashiki Orchestra, which will perform, is a community orchestra founded in 1974. As of 2026, it has 91 members. Guided by the motto “High-quality performances with beautiful tones and good ensemble playing,” its members practice daily in preparation for the Kurashiki Music Festival in spring and the subscription concert in summer.
The three pieces to be performed at the 52nd Subscription Concert are as follows:
- Richard Wagner / Prelude to Act I of the opera “Lohengrin”
- Richard Strauss / Horn Concerto No. 1
- Anton Bruckner / Symphony No. 7
The special guests this time, conductor Nakai Akitoku and horn player Mori Hirofumi, are both graduates of the Faculty of Music at Kurashiki Sakuyo University. They have ties to Kurashiki and are active in Japan and abroad, so be sure to look out for these two performers.
Tickets can be reserved online. If you’re interested, we recommend booking early.
The concert is free for the first 100 elementary and junior high school students to apply. The application deadline is August 6 (Thursday), but applications will be accepted through the end of August if you mention that you saw the article on Kurashiki Tocotoco.
For details, please contact the Kurashiki Orchestra through its complimentary ticket application form.
Interview with a representative
We spoke with Yayoi Nishijima, public relations representative for the Kurashiki Orchestra, about the 52nd Subscription Concert.
What are the three pieces being performed like? Please tell us about them, starting with the first.
Nishijima (titles omitted)
The first piece, Prelude to Act I of Richard Wagner’s opera “Lohengrin”, is grand and dramatic. It begins with the sound of strings, like a ray of light shining through the morning mist, then the woodwinds and brass join in, building into powerful music.
Wagner is said to have composed it with the image of “a host of angels bearing the Holy Grail descending from heaven, bringing a miracle to earth, and then ascending to heaven again.” I think it is one of the most beautiful preludes among his works.
What is the second piece like?
Nishijima
The second piece is Richard Strauss’s “Horn Concerto No. 1.”
It opens with a flourish like a fanfare, followed by lyrical melodies and technically demanding phrases. It is a piece that showcases the horn’s appeal.
Richard wrote the piece when he was 18, for his father, who was a horn player. But his father was getting on in years and couldn’t perform it, so the premiere was played by one of his students, or so the story goes.
It sounds like it’s full of opportunities for the horn player to shine. Please tell us about the final piece as well.
Nishijima
The final piece is Anton Bruckner’s “Symphony No. 7.”
True to Bruckner’s background as an organist, it has a distinctive sound, with the entire orchestra conceived as one enormous pipe organ. I think many people may have heard it before.
Bruckner revered Wagner, and when Wagner died suddenly while Bruckner was composing this piece, he added music in tribute to him. He also uses four of the unusual brass instruments developed by Wagner, the “Wagner tubas,” to express profound grief.
The piece lasts about 70 minutes across all its movements, but you’re surrounded by beautiful sounds throughout, so I think you’ll find it deeply soothing.
What are the highlights of the concert?
Nishijima
The Wagner tuba featured in the final piece is a very rare instrument that you don’t often get the chance to see. I hope you’ll pay attention to its distinctive sound, too.
I’d also be happy if we could share the “bond between Kurashiki Sakuyo University and the Kurashiki Orchestra.” Many of our orchestra members are graduates of Kurashiki Sakuyo University, and we sometimes receive lessons from faculty there, so we’ve had a strong connection with the university for a long time. Our guest performers this time, Nakai and Mori, are also graduates of Kurashiki Sakuyo University.
I hope we can convey through music the spirit of Kurashiki Sakuyo University, which is also part of our foundation.
How are rehearsals going with your guest performers, Nakai and Mori?
Nishijima
Nakai, who is from Kurashiki City, is incredibly bright and energetic, like the sun, and we’re enjoying our daily rehearsals. He is currently a conductor with a professional orchestra and is also committed to nurturing the next generation.
Mori is also active as a specially appointed professor at Kurashiki Sakuyo University and as a member of the ensemble group “Samurai BRASS.” This performance is said to be a stage celebrating his 60th birthday, so we hope to join forces and make beautiful music together.
Who would you recommend this concert to?
Nishijima
I especially hope that people who don’t usually go to concerts will come along.
The mystical beauty of Wagner, Strauss’s youthful energy, and the cosmic breadth of Bruckner’s sound. I believe this program will offer a “special experience that feels like a cleansing of the soul,” even if you’re not familiar with classical music.
Finally, could you share a message for our readers?
Nishijima
Every piece we’ll perform is dramatic, with beautiful melodies that will move you deeply. At Kurashiki Civic Hall, known for its excellent acoustics, I hope you’ll experience the sound of a large orchestra enveloping you from head to toe.
We’re also working hard in rehearsals as we prepare for the performance. We’d be delighted if you came to support us.
From the Writer
The 52nd Subscription Concert offers three beautiful and grand classical pieces.
In everyday life, there aren’t many opportunities to hear classical music performed live. That’s why you’ll want to attend a concert by the Kurashiki Orchestra, performing close to home.
Through the interview, we learned how the orchestra members practice every day to bring audiences authentic classical music.
Be sure to go and hear their subscription concert, the culmination of their activities.
52nd Subscription Concert Information
| Name | 52nd Subscription Concert |
|---|---|
| Date | September 6, 2026 (Sunday) Doors open at 1:00 p.m. Concert begins at 2:00 p.m. |
| Location | 17-1 Honmachi, Kurashiki City, Okayama Prefecture |
| Admission (tax included) | 1st floor, all seats reserved: ¥2,000 2nd floor, all seats unreserved: ¥1,800 Students (university students and younger): ¥1,000 ※Same-day tickets cost an additional ¥500 for each category |
| Website | Kurashiki Orchestra 52nd Subscription Concert |
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