Have you ever listened to a live performance of classical music?
While you may have heard it on television or the radio, the opportunity to experience its resonance in a concert hall may be surprisingly rare.
The Kurashiki Orchestra holds performances 3 to 4 times a year to make classical music more accessible, and they hold a regular concert every summer.
And I learned that a concert will be held this summer (2025).
The 51st Regular Concert—what kind of feelings will they bring to the performance, and what kind of music will they deliver?
I wanted to know more about the concert, so I conducted an interview.
About the Kurashiki Orchestra's "51st Regular Concert"
The Kurashiki Orchestra's "51st Regular Concert" is a classical concert scheduled for July 27, 2025 (Sunday).
The performance will be by the Kurashiki Orchestra, an amateur orchestra that will celebrate its 50th anniversary in 2024.
About 80 members are active based in Kurashiki City, Okayama Prefecture, with the motto of delivering "high-quality performances with beautiful tones and good ensemble."
The 51st Regular Concert is organized by the Kurashiki Orchestra and will be held as the 1931st Toyota Community Concert in cooperation with Toyota Motor Corporation and Toyota dealerships in Okayama Prefecture.
The conductor is Teraoka Kiyotaka, who has also performed internationally and led many orchestras.
Additionally, they will welcome pianist Nakagiri Nozomi, who is active in Okayama, to challenge even higher musical expression.
Moreover, there will be an instrument experience corner for 30 minutes after the concert starts, where attendees can feel the sounds of string instruments like the violin, viola, cello, and double bass, from children to adults.
I spoke with Makiō Yurie from the Kurashiki Orchestra about the concert aimed at the new 50 years.
Interview with the Person in Charge
Please tell us about the background leading to the holding of the 51st Regular Concert.
Makiō (no honorifics)
The regular concert is held every summer, and this will be the 51st time.
As a start to the new 50 years, we have set the theme of "Connecting to the Future".
We want to create a concert where the audience and performers connect through music.
Please tell us the highlights of each piece in the performance program.
Makiō
"Danse Macabre" depicts a scene where the Grim Reaper dances with skeletons at midnight. It features an eerie atmosphere and lively dynamism reminiscent of a ball. The sound of the skeletons' bones is expressed with a xylophone, and the Grim Reaper is represented by a violin solo, making the depiction of the characters very unique.
"Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini" is a variation based on the theme of Paganini's "24 Caprices," and the interplay between the solo piano and orchestra is a highlight. In particular, the performance of the 18th variation has been used in film music and leaves a lasting impression with its gentle beauty.
"Symphony No. 1 in C minor" is a profound piece that Brahms completed over 21 years.
The melody of the final movement, considered an homage to Beethoven, moves the performers deeply. Brahms' works are challenging for performers, but they are rewarding.
It will be exciting to collaborate with the guests.
Makiō
Conductor Teraoka Kiyotaka was invited again due to the enthusiastic requests from the members, following last year's (2024) regular concert.
He provides careful and precise guidance.
He explains the background of the pieces to deepen understanding and identifies the members' weak points, providing support while teaching.
And pianist Nakagiri Nozomi is a pianist with impressive technical skill and a gentle tone that captivates.
Since she is active in Okayama, it is a joy for the members to be able to promote the local area together through music.
She actively cooperates in rehearsals and helps create music together.
What are the thoughts of the members during practice?
Makiō
For challenging pieces like Brahms, I want to be able to express each note and symbol written in the score accurately.
We are practicing daily to improve our technical skills.
Also, while we want the audience to enjoy the performance, we would be happy if our enjoyment of music as members is conveyed as well.
If you have any points to enjoy the concert, please share them.
Makiō
Classical music often has a stiff image, but it is actually music that you often hear in daily life.
Please feel free to attend the concert as an extension of your daily life.
If you can find even one "strong point" like, "This melody was great," or "I liked the sound of this instrument," I think you will enjoy it fully.
While we live in an era where music can be heard anywhere, the vibration of the air and the resonance of the bass unique to live performances are indeed special.
I hope you can experience the atmosphere and time of the moment.
Finally, please give a message to the readers.
Makiō
The Kurashiki Orchestra celebrated its 50th anniversary last year (2024) and has stepped into a new 50 years.
We invite you to the 51st Regular Concert with your family and friends.
All the members are looking forward to seeing you.
We will continue activities that allow the local community to enjoy orchestras and classical music.
As a community orchestra in Kurashiki, we would be happy to receive your warm support in the future.
Conclusion
Classical music may seem a bit daunting.
However, by understanding the background of the pieces, stories emerge from each melody, allowing for a deeper enjoyment.
The members have been practicing for this concert for four months.
While they perform splendidly on stage, behind that is a strong desire to improve their technical skills and to enjoy music with the local community.
I encourage you to visit the venue and feel the live performance with your whole body.
I, too, plan to experience it and find my own "strong points" while enjoying it.
Data of the 51st Regular Concert
| Name | 51st Regular Concert |
|---|---|
| Date | July 27, 2025 (Sunday) Doors open at 1:00 PM Concert starts at 2:00 PM *Instrument experience from 1:00 PM to 1:30 PM |
| Location | 17-1 Honmachi, Kurashiki City |
| 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 500 yen increase on the day *100 elementary and middle school students will be invited for free on a first-come, first-served basis |
| Homepage | Kurashiki Orchestra |
