When it comes to wind orchestras, some may be familiar with them from club activities or cheering at baseball games.
The "Kurashiki Civic Wind Orchestra Green Harmony," composed of working adults, is a civic wind orchestra with a history of over 50 years since its formation.
The Kurashiki Civic Wind Orchestra Green Harmony holds a regular concert every April, and this will be the 55th time. This time, the regular concert will feature not only performances but also a special program with singing and dancing.
We interviewed about the content and highlights of the 55th regular concert.
What is the Kurashiki Civic Wind Orchestra Green Harmony?
The Kurashiki Civic Wind Orchestra Green Harmony is a group with one of the most notable histories in the prefecture as a civic wind orchestra.
In 1968, it was formed by eight high school students from the Chayamachi Junior High School (now Toyo Junior High School) brass band, including the current conductor, Sato Michiro. It started its activities under the name "Green Harmony" and has continued to this day.
The start of its activities was a concert at the Chayamachi Community Center, characterized by the connections formed with local people. Since then, the regular concerts have reached their 55th edition, continuing community-rooted activities for over half a century.
Members of the Kurashiki Civic Wind Orchestra Green Harmony
The Kurashiki Civic Wind Orchestra Green Harmony has about 80 members ranging from teenagers who have just graduated from high school to those in their 70s. The members are not only from Kurashiki City but also participate from Okayama City and Fukuyama City.
Many members have been with the orchestra for over 30 years, and even those who have left due to busy parenting or work often return, saying, "I want to perform here again," making it not just a place to perform but a home for its members.
Activities
Rehearsals are held every Tuesday at the Kurashiki Fureai no Oka Park Exchange Building and every other Sunday at the Chayamachi Community Center.
The main activities are as follows:
- Regular concerts
- Performances at local events
- Participation in the All Japan Wind Orchestra Competition and All Japan Ensemble Contest
In addition to the annual culmination of the regular concert, they perform about five times a year at events such as the summer concert at the Chayamachi Community Center, the autumn cultural festival, and local festivals.
Additionally, every March, they also participate in the "Kurashiki Amateur Top Concert," which is part of the Kurashiki Music Festival program.
They are a talented group with experience participating in the Chugoku Regional Competition and the National Competition.
Overview of the 55th Regular Concert
The 55th regular concert, to be held on April 29, 2026 (Wednesday, holiday), will feature a special composition symbolizing the "55 years of journey" of the Kurashiki Civic Wind Orchestra Green Harmony.
The program will consist of about 10 pieces, including familiar children's songs and music used in local traditional folk culture.
In addition to current members, there will also be performances by a "Family Band," which includes alumni and their families who wish to participate, creating a stage full of surprises for the audience.
We spoke with the person in charge, Matsumoto Emi, about the appeal of the regular concert.
Interview with the Person in Charge
Please tell us about the program for the 55th regular concert.
Matsumoto (no honorifics)
This program deeply reflects the history of the orchestra and its affection for the community.
The symphonic poem "Pines of Rome" is a piece that our orchestra performed at the 30th regular concert in 2000, and its splendid melody evokes a celebratory image.
The piece "Fantasy on the Theme of Noshō Benjiro 'Moonlit Night'" will have its premiere this time.
This piece features Noshō Benjiro, known for children's songs like "The Tortoise and the Hare," and includes phrases from familiar children's songs throughout the composition.
"Chayamachi Bokke Oni Bokke" is a piece composed by conductor Sato, who is also from Chayamachi, to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the "Chayamachi Oni Preservation Society," which protects the folk culture of Chayamachi, established in 2025.
We will welcome guest musical actor Oka Satoshi from Chayamachi, who will perform alongside the powerful dance of the Oni Preservation Society members wearing Oni masks.
Additionally, there will be many pieces that attendees will recognize, such as a medley by Henry Mancini, ensuring that the audience thinks, "Ah, I've heard this before."
What is the Family Band?
Matsumoto
The Family Band is a project that started during the 30th regular concert in 2000.
Initially, it was a plan for orchestra alumni and their families to perform together with current members, but now anyone who wishes to participate can join.
While some alumni participate after picking up an instrument for the first time in 20 years, others who have always been interested in Green Harmony join as a way to experience it. Those who participate for the experience often become friends with the members and end up joining the orchestra.
This year, nearly 70 applicants gathered, and when combined with the members, the total number will be close to 150 people. We hope everyone enjoys a powerful stage combining performance and dance.
Please tell us the highlights of the concert.
Matsumoto
Please pay attention to the staging that will entertain people of various generations, incorporating not only classical masterpieces but also singing and dancing.
Guest Oka Satoshi's singing, the dance by the Chayamachi Oni Preservation Society, and performances by the members will all be featured.
Additionally, one-third of the members who played "Pines of Rome" at the 30th concert 26 years ago will stand on the same stage again this time. We hope you take the time to enjoy the harmonies of a wide range of ages in the orchestra.
Please give a message to the readers.
Matsumoto
This year's regular concert is a great opportunity to learn about the 55 years of the Kurashiki Civic Wind Orchestra Green Harmony. I believe that the stage, which weaves together singing and dancing into a single concert, will leave you very satisfied.
Whether you are familiar with our orchestra or hearing about it for the first time, we hope you come to the venue.
Conclusion
During the ensemble practice, the detailed expression of sound and the richness of sound when played together were impressive. Since I could only hear part of the program during the interview, I felt, "I want to hear the entire piece soon."
Please enjoy the sound of wind music nurtured by over 50 years of history at the venue.
Data for the 55th Regular Concert of Kurashiki Civic Wind Orchestra Green Harmony
| Name | 55th Regular Concert of Kurashiki Civic Wind Orchestra Green Harmony |
|---|---|
| Date | April 29, 2026 (Wednesday, Holiday) Doors open: 1:00 PM Concert starts: 2:00 PM |
| Location | Kurashiki Civic Hall, Main Hall |
| Participation Fee (including tax) | Advance ticket: 800 yen Same-day ticket: 1,000 yen |
| Website | Kurashiki Civic Wind Orchestra Green Harmony Instagram |
