Outreach Mini-Concert

In the interest of bringing members of the younger generation into contact with true musical excellence, TDK has been presenting a program of Outreach Mini-Concert since 2003. On this May 10, ahead of the latest main concert in this series, five members of the woodwind section of the Berliner Philharmoniker visited to perform at Kojimachi Junior High School in Tokyo’s Chiyoda Ward.
Assembling in the school’s gymnasium was the entire 330-student body, along with nearly 300 parents and other persons connected to the school and its musical program. With this large crowd fostering a truly festive mood, the performance got underway in the midst of a warm welcome extended by the students to the musicians. The recital consisted of four numbers, including woodwind quintet pieces by composer Franz Danzi. For the encore, the musicians presented an adaptation of the Japanese classic “The Moon over the Ruined Castle” that they specially arranged for the occasion. The students were captivated by the experience of hearing how a musical performance of woodwind instruments can significantly change the resonance of a selected piece.
Time was also allotted for questions to the artists, with the students asking how long their practice sessions last, at what age they grew determined to become musical performers, their motivations and inspirations and other areas of interest. Each of the artists took the time to provide detailed responses to these inquiries. The final segment of the event was a joint performance, in which the school's brass band club joined with the woodwind quintet to play “Flowers Will Bloom”—a famous song penned in the wake of the Great East Japan Earthquake of 2011. All of the students sang along, putting the final touches on a rare and stimulating experience sure to be treasured in their memories for many years to come.

• Performers: Berlin Philharmonic Wind Quintet
• Artist lineup: One flutist, one oboist, one clarinetist, one bassoonist and one horn player.

Special Rehearsal

On May 13, a social contribution program was organized in which 200 students of music and about 100 pupils attending the German School of Tokyo Yokohama (DSTY) were invited to view a public rehearsal of the Berliner Philharmoniker.
Presented prior to this special rehearsal was a “preparatory lecture” in which concert sommelier Satoshi Asaoka delivered commentary on the particular numbers to be performed, while discussing the highlights of the practice session itself. At the special rehearsal that followed, Chief Conductor and Artistic Director Simon Rattle treated the audience to the spellbinding experience of seeing how single pieces of music are polished and perfected through close communication with the members of the orchestra.

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Comments by Audience

• “It was very moving to be given the precious opportunity to personally see how Mr. Rattle issues highly detailed and demanding instructions in conducting an orchestra. The performance itself was also exceptional in quality, and it was a delight to hear richly varied and full-bodied music performed live.” (Male university student)
• “In addition to the marvelous music of the Berliner Philharmoniker, I was enchanted by their flexible responses to the demands of the conductor aimed at coaxing out even greater resonance. This was a wonderfully educational experience, and I want to thank everyone involved for helping to arrange this amazing opportunity.” (Female university student)
• “It was thrilling to see how the actual sound is meticulously developed, how the orchestra members function together in fine rhythmic unity and coordination and gain other insights that would not be nearly so obvious at regular concerts.” (Female university student)
• ‘This was truly rich and fulfilling time. I am sincerely thankful that such a tremendous opportunity was specially arranged for us students, and can say with all my heart that it was truly enjoyable. The rehearsal, with all the tension of gearing up for the real concert, was fascinating to see.” (Male university student)
• “I feel privileged to have attended a live performance of the Berliner Philharmoniker, an orchestra that I have only heard on CDs in the past. It was extremely interesting to see the occasional playful expressions and actions of the orchestra members made possible by the tranquil mood that prevails at these rehearsals, as well as the process of arranging the pieces and other highlights that helped make this a rewarding occasion. As someone who is personally studying the violin as well, I hope to put what I saw and felt into practice in my own musical endeavors.” (Female university student)

Profile of Preparatory Lecture Speaker

Satoshi Asaoka Satoshi Asaoka was born in Yokohama. After graduating from Keio University, he joined TV Asahi as an announcer, where he built his career in sports announcing and worked on “News Station” and other programs. Since he turned freelance in 1995, Asaoka has been widening his activity into the fields of classical music as a “concert sommelier” engaged in the planning and compering of concerts, while appearing in many TV and radio programs and commercials. Asaoka, known for his unique reviews of early music and operas in particular, is working as an active advocate of classical music in wide-ranging areas.

Main Performance

Outline