The citizen orchestra "Kurashiki Philharmonic Orchestra" has been active for over 50 years in Kurashiki.
At the annual regular concerts, many people of all ages come to enjoy the performances. The authentic classical music delivered by the Kurashiki Philharmonic Orchestra enriches the music culture of Kurashiki.
The 52nd regular concert, to be held in 2026, will feature pieces that include the rarely seen Wagner tuba.
Here is an introduction to the 52nd regular concert of the Kurashiki Philharmonic Orchestra.
What is the "52nd Regular Concert"?
The 52nd Regular Concert will be held on September 6, 2026 (Sunday) at the Kurashiki Civic Hall.
The Kurashiki Philharmonic Orchestra, which will perform, is a citizen orchestra established in 1974. As of 2026, the number of members is 91. With the motto of "high-quality performances with beautiful tones and good ensemble", they practice daily in preparation for the spring Kurashiki Music Festival and the summer regular concert.
The pieces to be performed at the 52nd regular concert are the following three:
- Richard Wagner / Prelude to Act 1 of the opera "Lohengrin"
- Richard Strauss / Horn Concerto No. 1
- Anton Bruckner / Symphony No. 7
Additionally, the special guests for this concert, conductor Akihiro Nakai and horn player Hirofumi Mori, are both graduates of Kurashiki Sakuyo University Faculty of Music. They have ties to Kurashiki and are active both domestically and internationally, so please pay attention to them.
Tickets can be reserved online. If you are interested, early reservation is recommended.
Elementary and middle school students can watch the concert for free, up to the first 100 applicants. The application deadline is August 6 (Thursday), but if you mention "I saw this article on Kurashiki Tocotoco," you can apply until the end of August.
For more details, please contact the Kurashiki Philharmonic Orchestra through the invitation ticket application form.
Interview with the Person in Charge
I spoke with Yayoi Nishijima, the public relations officer of the Kurashiki Philharmonic Orchestra, about the 52nd regular concert.
What kind of pieces will be performed? Please tell us about the first piece.
Nishijima (no honorifics)
The first piece, Prelude to Act 1 of Richard Wagner's opera "Lohengrin", is a grand and dramatic piece. It begins with the sound of string instruments, like a ray of light piercing through the morning mist, and then transforms into powerful music as woodwinds and brass instruments join in.
Wagner himself composed it with the image of "a host of angels carrying the Holy Grail descending from heaven, bringing miracles to the earth, and then ascending back to heaven," and I believe it is one of the most beautiful preludes among his works.
What about the second piece that will be performed next?
Nishijima
The second piece is Richard Strauss's Horn Concerto No. 1.
It starts with a fanfare-like brilliance, followed by singing melodies and technical phrases appearing one after another. It is a piece that encapsulates the charm of the horn.
This piece was written by Richard when he was 18 years old for his father, who was a horn player, but his father was too old to perform it, and the premiere was played by a student, which is an interesting episode.
It sounds like a showcase for the horn player. Finally, could you tell us about the last piece to be performed?
Nishijima
The final piece is Anton Bruckner's Symphony No. 7.
True to Bruckner's background as an organist, it is a piece that features a unique sound creation, likening the entire orchestra to a giant pipe organ. Many may have heard it at least once.
Bruckner admired Wagner, and after Wagner's sudden death while he was composing this piece, he added music in tribute. Furthermore, he used four of the special brass instruments developed by Wagner, the Wagner tubas, to express deep mourning.
The entire symphony lasts about 70 minutes, but it is enveloped in beautiful tones, providing a truly healing experience.
What are the highlights of the concert?
Nishijima
The Wagner tubas that appear in the final piece are very rare instruments that are not often seen. I hope you will pay attention to their unique sound.
Additionally, I would be happy to convey the "bond between Kurashiki Sakuyo University and the Kurashiki Philharmonic Orchestra." Many members of our orchestra are graduates of Kurashiki Sakuyo University, and we have had strong ties with the university, receiving lessons from faculty members. The guests, Nakai and Mori, are also graduates of Kurashiki Sakuyo University.
I hope to deliver the spirit of Kurashiki Sakuyo University, which is the foundation of our orchestra, through music.
How has the practice been with guests Nakai and Mori?
Nishijima
Nakai, who is from Kurashiki City, is bright and powerful like the sun, and we are enjoying our daily practices together. He is currently also a conductor for a professional orchestra and is dedicated to nurturing the next generation.
Mori is active as a specially appointed professor at Kurashiki Sakuyo University and as a member of the ensemble group Samurai BRASS. This concert will be a stage to celebrate his 60th birthday, so we all want to come together to create beautiful music.
Who would you recommend this concert to?
Nishijima
I would especially like to encourage those who do not usually attend concerts to come and experience it.
The mystical beauty of Wagner, the youthful energy of Strauss, and the cosmic resonance of Bruckner. Even those who are not familiar with classical music will have a special experience that feels like a cleansing of the heart.
Finally, do you have a message for the readers?
Nishijima
Each piece we perform is dramatic, filled with beautiful melodies that will resonate with your heart. I hope you will experience the sound of a large orchestra in the acoustically excellent Kurashiki Civic Hall.
We are also putting a lot of effort into our practice leading up to the concert. We would be grateful for your support.
Conclusion
The 52nd regular concert features three beautiful and grand classical pieces.
Opportunities to hear live classical music are not very common in daily life. That is why I want to attend the concert of the Kurashiki Philharmonic Orchestra, which performs in a familiar place.
Through this interview, I could sense the dedication of the members as they practice daily to deliver authentic classical music.
Please make sure to attend the regular concert, which is a culmination of their activities.
Data of the 52nd Regular Concert
| Name | 52nd Regular Concert |
|---|---|
| Date | September 6, 2026 (Sunday) Doors open at 1:00 PM Concert starts at 2:00 PM |
| Location | 17-1 Honmachi, Kurashiki City, Okayama Prefecture |
| Participation Fee (including tax) | 1st floor all seats reserved 2,000 yen 2nd floor all seats free 1,800 yen Students (university students and below) 1,000 yen *Tickets purchased on the day will be an additional 500 yen for each type |
| Homepage | Kurashiki Philharmonic Orchestra 52nd Regular Concert |
