For Visitors
HOW TO ENJOY
HOW TO ENJOY
How to Enjoy an Orchestra Performance
01. What is an orchestra?
An orchestra is a large musical group made up of a variety of instruments, including string instruments, woodwind instruments, brass instruments, and percussion instruments.
The formation established in the 19th century became the standard, with a conductor overseeing the entire orchestra.
The concerts mainly feature symphonies and concertos, characterized by rich layering of sound and dynamic expression.
02. The joy of the orchestra
You can experience live the magnificent yet delicate music that is created by the combination of a variety of instruments.
The sense of unity of the musicians as they work together under the conductor,
The rich sound that reverberates throughout the hall creates an emotional impact that cannot be experienced through a recording.
By surrendering yourself to the flow of music that changes dynamically from quiet to intense,
It will move your heart and allow you to feel the depth and charm of the music with your whole body.
03. Concert flow
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Doors open and seating
The venue opens 30 minutes to an hour before the show starts. Audience members check their tickets, enter, and take their assigned seats.
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Opening of the performance, appearance of the conductor and performers
When the time comes, the lights go down, the conductor and soloist appear to applause, and the performance begins.
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Performance of Part 1
Typically, several pieces or one long piece are performed, and applause is generally withheld between movements.
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Break (Intermission)
There will be a 15-minute break, which can be used for toilet use, drinks, checking the program, etc.
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Part 2 and the end of the performance
The second half of the performance will begin, and after all the songs have been completed, there will be a huge round of applause. There may also be an encore.
INTRINDUCTION
INTRODUCTION
Japan Philharmonic Orchestra Concert Series Introduction
01. Subscription Concert
The Japan Philharmonic Orchestra holds monthly subscription concerts in two locations: Tokyo and Yokohama. These are the orchestra's main concerts. Regular concerts are a subscription service for the orchestra. Why not become a regular member and enjoy listening to the orchestra once a month in the same seat every time? One of the joys of listening to an orchestra is discovering new works you've never heard before.
Tokyo Subscription Concert
This is the main series of the Japan Philharmonic Orchestra, which has been running since 1956.
The same program will be held on Friday evening and Saturday afternoon at Suntory Hall, Japan's leading concert hall. Led by the title conductor of the Japan Philharmonic Orchestra and featuring world-renowned maestros, the program will feature performances ranging from classics of the past and present to contemporary works and Japanese works that deserve to be shared with audiences today. Enjoy a Friday evening performance after work, or a relaxing Saturday afternoon. Choose a performance that suits your lifestyle.
Yokohama Subscription Concert
Supported by fans for 50 years, this monthly series is held at Yokohama Minato Mirai Hall.
This series brings you the opportunity to enjoy performances by leading conductors and soloists, focusing on classical masterpieces, in Yokohama. Based on the concept of "Yokohama Cultural Wonderland," this season offers a new way to enjoy orchestral music, linked to culture such as history, art, and literature.
02. Popular Concert / Geigeki Series
The Popular Concert is a series held at Suntory Hall, a hall of fame for classical music, where you can enjoy classic masterpieces from past and present. The Geigeki Series is a series held at the Tokyo Metropolitan Theatre, another hall of fame, where we take a variety of approaches to cover everything from lesser known masterpieces to familiar pieces. Featuring popular soloists, this lineup is recommended for both connoisseurs and beginners.
03. Kobaken x JPO
"Kobaken World"
This concert series is named after the Honorary Conductor Laureate of the Japan Philharmonic Orchestra, Ken-ichiro Kobayashi, also known as "Fiery Kobaken." Enjoy these masterpieces at a great value, accompanied by a talk from the maestro. Feel the passion of the orchestra in one of Tokyo's leading halls.
04. Weekday Afternoon Concert "Nijikura"
Weekday afternoon concerts by the Japan Philharmonic Orchestra. This series, hosted by actor Katsunori Takahashi, allows you to enjoy classical music more intimately. Held on weekday afternoons, it's perfect for those who are busy in the evenings or have the weekday off. Enjoy music and a relaxing time at Suntory Hall, the hall of fame for classical music. (Co-hosted with Suntory Hall)
For Kobaken World and weekday daytime Nijikura performances, you can purchase tickets for multiple performances as a set to enjoy a variety of famous songs and passionate performances by soloists at a great price.
05. Co-hosted concerts with various halls
The Suginami Koukaido Subscription Concerts, Saitama Subscription Concerts, Sagamihara Subscription Concerts, and Fuchu Dream Concert are series co-sponsored by the hall and local governments. Year-round package tickets and membership tickets are also available. Ticket handling varies for each performance, so please contact the hall for details.
RECOMMENDED CONCERTS
For first-time users
Recommended Concerts
MANNERS
ABOUT MANNERS
Viewing etiquette
In order to ensure that you enjoy the concert, we ask that you please be considerate during the performance.
Even the slightest sound while playing can carry surprisingly far.
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Power OFF
Please turn off your mobile phone and smartphone. Please also check your clock alarm. Silent mode vibrations will also be heard.
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Please be aware of the noise
Please be aware of the sounds of opening and closing zippers on bags and clothes, bells on straps, convenience store and supermarket bags, and candy wrappers. Also, please make sure that you are wearing your hearing aid correctly.
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Be careful of talking and coughing
Please remain quiet during the performance. Cover your mouth with a handkerchief or your sleeve when coughing or sneezing. Put any candy or gum in your mouth before the conductor appears.
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Please be considerate of those around you
Visibility is an important factor in enjoying a concert. Please refrain from leaning forward to watch or wearing wide-brimmed hats that obstruct your view. Also, please refrain from wearing perfume.
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Recording, filming and photography are prohibited
Audio, video, and unauthorized photography are prohibited. However, you may take photos of the curtain call at some performances. Please follow the rules to preserve your memories.
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Other
・Concerts generally have assigned seats. Please enjoy the performance from your assigned seat.
・Entry after the show has started will be restricted. Please follow the instructions of the staff.
- Reselling tickets at high prices will not be permitted under any circumstances.
FAQ
FAQ
FAQ
How do I buy tickets?
Please tell me the end time
A typical performance is about two hours long, including a break. If a single piece is longer than 70 minutes, there may be no break and only one piece.
From what age can I enter?
Regular performances are open to elementary school students and above. If you are bringing a preschool child, please use the childcare service. *Reservations required / Some performances are excluded.
How early should I arrive?
You can enter anytime during opening hours (30 minutes to 1 hour before depending on the performance). Re-entry is also permitted. Pre-show talks and mini-concerts may be held during opening hours. Please take your seat when the bell rings.
What should I wear?
There is no dress code, but it's a great opportunity to dress up a little more than usual.
It doesn't have to be too formal, so you can spend a special time with music in your own unique "concert style."
There are only songs I don't know
For your first concert, we recommend pieces you've heard in school. The Japan Philharmonic's Popular Concert and Geigeki Series are great choices. However, discovering new music can also be fun. A program listing the performers and repertoire is available, so please read it before the concert begins. The Japan Philharmonic also posts "Introduction to the Orchestra" videos on YouTube.
Can I come and go in the middle?
If you leave during the performance, you will not be able to return to your seat until the piece finishes. If you are feeling unwell or have any other problems, please feel free to leave even during the piece.
Parking and discounts?
Most halls in the city center do not have partnerships. Please check the hall's website and use nearby paid parking lots or parking lots.
Is it possible to bring in food and drinks?
Eating and drinking is prohibited in the auditorium. You can bring food into the lobby, but there is not much space to eat packed lunches. Some halls sell drinks and snacks in the lobby.