At the end of 2023, my child and I both enjoyed attending the Christmas Concert by the Kurashiki Boys and Girls Choir, so this time we went to see its New Year Concert.
I had no idea that my hometown of Kurashiki had had a choir for half a century, and I never imagined I could see a performance that would move me so deeply (especially for free), so I didn’t want to miss the opportunity and went along.
The information presented here was current when this article was published in March 2024. Please note that it may differ from current information.
Overview of the “Kurashiki Boys and Girls Choir New Year Concert”
Founded in 1972, the Kurashiki Boys and Girls Choir holds a concert every year around Christmas as an annual event. In 2024, it also held a special New Year Concert.
The main program included:
- My Neighbor Totoro
- “Edelweiss” and “Do-Re-Mi” from The Sound of Music
- The Phantom of the Opera, and more
Attending the concert
The concert was held at the Take Hall of Marby Fureai Center, in Mabi, Kurashiki City.
The concert is apparently usually held twice a year, in December and during Golden Week. This New Year Concert was held as a project selected for “Idea (Publicly Solicited Citizen-Planning Project),” hosted by Marby Fureai Center.
Solo performances
Three performers who won awards at a children’s music competition sang solo.
Their poised presence and beautiful voices made me sit up straight as I listened. It was a pleasure to experience live the kind of singing that makes you want to listen carefully and cherish every note.
With the audience seated in darkness and the performers under the spotlight, singing solo while watched by so many people must take courage. I was also moved by how confidently and calmly these young women carried themselves.
Musical series
The musical series was performed again this time, following the “Christmas Concert.”
I love musicals, so I was thrilled to see Ariel and the Phantom again. Classics are wonderful no matter how many times you see them—or rather, they make you want to see them again and again.
For a moment, I forgot they were children. In my heart, I too cried out, “Christine…!!”
Winning song from the All-Japan Chorus Competition
In November 2023, the Kurashiki Boys and Girls Choir won the top prize in the “76th All-Japan Chorus Competition, University, Workplace and General Division,” becoming the first group from Okayama Prefecture to win the national title in 50 years.
They performed the winning song from that competition.
I imagine it must be incredibly difficult to sing in a large group and achieve such natural harmony.
As I thought about how much effort it must take to perform layers of harmony on stage without a single note out of place, and about the children’s daily practice, I realized I was crying.
How much time and passion does it take to create art that moves you this deeply?
From the Writer
This was my second time attending, and I enjoyed it very much.
I thought I would love to see them perform again, and it turns out they will hold their annual concert in the main hall of Kurashiki Civic Hall on Sunday, April 28, 2024.
At the annual concert, they will perform the musical in its entirety rather than just one scene, which sounds exciting. They are planning to perform The Sound of Music in 2024, so I can’t wait.
I sometimes wonder if I’m more hooked than my daughter, but if you’re interested in choral music, do go and see them with your family and friends.
Kurashiki Boys and Girls Choir New Year Concert details
| Name | Kurashiki Boys and Girls Choir New Year Concert |
|---|---|
| Date | Sunday, January 20, 2024 Concert begins at 1:30 p.m. Concert ends at 3:00 p.m. |
| Location | Marby Fureai Center, Take Hall |
| Admission (tax included) | Free admission |
| Website | Kurashiki Boys and Girls Choir |
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