Have you ever listened to classical music performed live?
You may have heard it on TV or radio, but opportunities to experience its resonance throughout your whole body in a concert hall may be surprisingly rare.
Kurashiki Orchestra gives three to four performances a year to make classical music feel more accessible, and holds its annual concert every summer.
I learned that a concert would be held this summer, too (2025).
What are the thoughts behind the 51st Annual Concert, and what kind of music will it bring to audiences?
I wanted to learn more about the concert, so I spoke with the organizers.
The information presented was current when this article was published in July 2025. Please note that it may differ from current information.
About the Kurashiki Orchestra “51st Annual Concert”
The Kurashiki Orchestra’s “51st Annual Concert” is a classical concert to be held on Sunday, July 27, 2025.
Performing at the concert is the amateur orchestra Kurashiki Orchestra, which celebrated its 50th anniversary in 2024.
Its approximately 80 members are based in Kurashiki City, Okayama Prefecture, and continue to perform under the motto, “Deliver high-quality performances with beautiful tones and excellent ensemble playing.”
The 51st Annual Concert is hosted by the Kurashiki Orchestra and will be held as the 1,931st Toyota Community Concert, in cooperation with Toyota Motor Corporation and Toyota dealerships in Okayama Prefecture.
The conductor is Teraoka Kiyotaka, who has performed overseas and led many orchestras.
The orchestra will also welcome Nakagiri Nozomi, a pianist based in Okayama, and take on the challenge of achieving even greater musical expression.
For the 30 minutes after the concert hall opens, there will also be an instrument experience corner where visitors can try playing the violin, viola, cello, and double bass. Children and adults alike will be able to experience the sound of string instruments firsthand.
We spoke with Makio Yurie of the Kurashiki Orchestra about the concert as the orchestra embarks on its next 50 years.
Interview with the organizer
Could you tell us what led to the 51st Annual Concert?
Makio (surname only)
We hold our annual concert every summer, and this is the 51st.
As the start of a new 50 years, we have chosen “Connecting to the future” as our theme.
We want to create a concert where audiences and performers connect through music.
Could you tell us what to listen for in each piece on the program?
Makio
“Danse macabre” depicts Death dancing with skeletons at midnight. It is characterized by an eerie quality and a lively, dance-like energy. The sound of the skeletons’ bones is represented by a xylophone, while Death is portrayed by a violin solo. I think the depiction of the characters is very unique.
“Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini” is a set of variations based on a theme from composer Paganini’s “24 Caprices,” and the interplay between the solo piano and orchestra is a highlight. The 18th variation in particular has also been used in film music, and its gentle beauty leaves a lasting impression.
The Symphony No. 1 in C minor is a weighty work with the story behind it that Brahms took 21 years to complete.
The melody in the final movement, considered an homage to Beethoven, is so moving that even the performers are overcome with emotion. Brahms’s music is difficult for performers, but it is rewarding.
It must be exciting to perform with the guest artists, too.
Makio
We invited conductor Teraoka Kiyotaka back at the enthusiastic request of our members, following last year’s (2024) annual concert.
He is a teacher who gives careful and precise guidance.
He explains the background of each piece to deepen our understanding, and identifies the parts members find difficult, guiding us with care and support.
Pianist Nakagiri Nozomi is captivating for her outstanding technique and clear, gentle tone.
Since she is based in Okayama, the members are also delighted to be able to help energize our local community together through music.
She also actively helps us in rehearsals and works with us to create the music.
What motivates the members as they rehearse?
Makio
With challenging works like Brahms, we want to be able to accurately express every note and symbol written in the score.
We practice every day to improve our skills.
Of course, we want our audiences to enjoy the concert, but we would also be happy if they could see that the members themselves are enjoying the music.
Do you have any tips for enjoying the concert?
Makio
Classical music is often thought of as stuffy, but in fact, it is music we often hear in our everyday lives.
Think of it as an extension of your daily life, and feel free to come along to the concert.
If you find even one “moment that makes your heart flutter”—a melody you liked in a particular piece, or the sound of an instrument you enjoyed—I think you’ll have a wonderful time.
We live in an age when we can listen to music anywhere, but the vibrations in the air and the resonance of the bass that only live performance can offer are truly special.
I hope you’ll experience the atmosphere and the moment for yourself.
Finally, do you have a message for our readers?
Makio
The Kurashiki Orchestra celebrated its 50th anniversary last year (2024) and has begun its journey into a new 50 years.
Please come to the 51st Annual Concert with your family and friends.
All of our members look forward to seeing you.
We will continue our activities so that everyone in the community can enjoy orchestras and classical music.
As Kurashiki’s civic orchestra, we hope you will continue to support us warmly.
From the Writer
Classical music may seem a little intimidating.
However, I learned that knowing the background of a piece brings out the story in each melody and makes it more enjoyable.
The members apparently began rehearsing four months before the concert.
On stage, they perform with flair, but behind that are their efforts to improve their skills and their passionate desire to enjoy performing with the local community.
Why not come to the venue and experience a live performance with your whole body?
I, too, hope to experience and enjoy it, and find my own “moment that makes my heart flutter.”
51st Annual Concert details
| Name | 51st Annual Concert |
|---|---|
| Date | Sunday, July 27, 2025 Doors open at 1:00 p.m. Concert begins at 2:00 p.m. ※Instrument experience from 1:00 p.m. to 1:30 p.m. |
| Location | 17-1 Honmachi, Kurashiki City |
| Admission (tax included) | All reserved seats, first floor: ¥2,000 All unreserved seats, second floor: ¥1,800 Students (university students and younger): ¥1,000 Tickets cost an additional ¥500 on the day ※100 elementary and junior high school students will be admitted free on a first-come, first-served basis |
| Website | Kurashiki Orchestra |
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