Junichi Hirokami appointed as Friend of the JPO (Artistic Advisor)
The Japan Philharmonic Orchestra (President: Hirai Toshikuni) is pleased to announce that conductor Junichi Hirokami will become a "Friend of the JPO (Artistic Advisor)" from September 1, 2021.
In an orchestral world struggling with the COVID-19 pandemic, Junichi Hirokami is one maestro with a bird's-eye view of the state of the arts and culture. Now, with the environment surrounding the arts at a critical juncture, we must consider how we can invigorate and support not just one orchestra, but the entire classical music world. With the unconventional advice he offers, both musically and managerially, the Japan Philharmonic hopes to reach even greater heights.
Highly acclaimed for his musical interpretation and depth, Mr. Hirokami is a contemporary master of classical music. He served as the orchestra's principal conductor from September 1991 to August 2000, and has since performed at our regular concerts every year. Through this continuous and close relationship, he has demonstrated a deep understanding of the orchestra's spirit. As both a conductor and an educator, Mr. Hirokami is expected to play a guiding role in informing young musicians about their role as performers and building an artistic core. It is in light of this background that he has accepted the position of "Friend of the JPO (Artistic Advisor)." We hope to share and experience with as many people as possible the world of classical music, which becomes more fascinating the more you learn about it. We appreciate your continued support.
| Message from Junichi Hirokami I'm now 63 years old. Thinking back to the days of the late Akio Watanabe, the father of the Japan Philharmonic Orchestra, when he was still alive, I can't help but think of the dignified, noble, and brilliant personality and keen insight he possessed. The aura and energy he exuded were overwhelming. It's nothing compared to who I am now... It's pathetic... When I entered the Tokyo College of Music in 1979, Shigeo Genda and I were participating in the Ninth Symphony class that began that year as members of the university choir. The professor stopped us after rehearsal and encouraged us, saying, "Study seriously and sincerely at this university! The Muse will surely protect you and guide you to become a conductor one day." These words of wisdom remain etched in my memory. The Japan Philharmonic Orchestra extended a warm hand to me when I was young and inexperienced, and nurtured me into the person I am today. It is an orchestra that has been a great benefactor in my conducting career. Our country's citizens are suffering amid the COVID-19 pandemic, and people in a variety of professions are suffering every day... The same goes for the music industry. I may not be able to be of much help, but I have decided to remember the greatness of my predecessors and live the rest of my life in a way that will contribute even a little to the music industry. I dream of a time when people feel happy, and a society filled with smiles and warmth... It was with that single thought that I decided to take on this job. Although it's a little late, I'm starting to give back to the Japan Philharmonic. "Learning from the past for new discoveries" |
You can watch the latest performances by Hirokami and the Japan Philharmonic Orchestra on Member's TVU CHANNEL (you can listen to all performances for 1000 yen).
◇Regular Tokyo Concert in June. Hirokami finally takes on Bruckner with a powerful performance.
https://members.tvuch.com/member/classic/86/
Saitama regular concert in July. Beethoven's masterpieces, "Fate" and "Pastoral".
https://members.tvuch.com/member/classic/91/
Upcoming
379th Yokohama Subscription Concert
July 2, 2022 (Saturday) 17:7
Kanagawa Prefectural Hall
Conductor: Junichi Hirokami
Piano: Kotaro Fukuma
Beethoven: Piano Concerto No. 4
Beethoven: Symphony No. 6 "Pastoral"
Release date currently being adjusted
742th Tokyo Subscription Concert
July 8, 2022 (Friday) 19:00, July 9th (Saturday) 14:00
Suntory Hall
Conductor: Junichi Hirokami
Violin: Kyoko Yonemoto
Bruch: Scottish Fantasy
Bruckner: Symphony No. 7 (Haas version)
Release date currently being adjusted
ⒸMasaaki Tomitori
Junichi Hirokami(Junichi Hirokami)
Born in Tokyo, he studied conducting at the Tokyo College of Music. At age 26, he won the Kirill Kondrashin International Competition for Young Conductors. He has held positions with the Norrköping Symphony Orchestra, Limburg Symphony Orchestra, Royal Liverpool Philharmonic, and Columbus Symphony Orchestra. He has made guest appearances with orchestras including the Orchestre National de France, Leipzig Gewandhaus Orchestra, Concertgebouw Orchestra, Montreal Symphony Orchestra, Israel Philharmonic, London Symphony Orchestra, Vienna Symphony Orchestra, and St. Petersburg Philharmonic. He has received rave reviews and been invited to perform with orchestras across Japan, as well as the Saito Kinen Orchestra and Mito Chamber Orchestra. Since his debut at the Sydney Opera House, he has conducted numerous opera productions both in Japan and abroad. He served as Principal Conductor of the Japan Philharmonic Orchestra from September 1991 to August 2000. He is currently the Principal Conductor and Artistic Advisor of the Kyoto Symphony Orchestra, Director of Kyoto Concert Hall, and Friendship Guest Conductor of the Sapporo Symphony Orchestra. He is also a Professor of Conducting at the Tokyo College of Music.
Please see here for Junichi Hirokami's latest profile.
LOVED https://www.amati-tokyo.com/artist/conductor/post_9.php
日本フィルハーモニー交響楽団
