Details of the semi-staged opera "Masquerade Ball" conducted by Junichi Hirokami announced
The Japan Philharmonic Orchestra will perform Verdi's opera "Un Ballo in Maschera" as part of "Junichi Hirokami & Japan Philharmonic's Opera Journey Vol.1" at Suntory Hall in Tokyo on Saturday, April 26th and Sunday, April 27th, 2025.
Conductor Junichi Hirokami was formerly the Principal Conductor of the Japan Philharmonic Orchestra (September 1991 - August 2000), and has maintained a continuous and close relationship with the orchestra, appearing in its regular concerts every year since then. He has been active as a Friend of the JPO (Artistic Advisor) since 2021. At the Tokyo Regular Concert in July 2023, he led the orchestra to great success with a concert-style opera, Pagliacci, which could be considered the predecessor of this series.
In April 2025, inspired by Hirokami's passion for opera and his desire to support young musicians as an educator, the Japan Philharmonic Orchestra will launch a new challenge: "Junichi Hirokami & Japan Philharmonic Opera Journey." This series, directed by Isao Takashima, will feature semi-staged performances that take advantage of the hall's stage space, incorporating special effects and costumes. The commemorative first installment will feature Verdi's "Un Ballo in Maschera," a masterpiece from his mid-period that blends music and story. This opera is also a memorable one for Hirokami, as it was his first time conducting at the Sydney Opera House in 1989. The soloists will include a new generation of internationally active Japanese singers, including Eri Nakamura as Amelia.
| Comment from Junichi Hirokami I've always wanted to slowly perform an opera, perhaps once or twice a year, before I die. I believe this series will be my final major project with the Japan Philharmonic. I chose "Masquerade Ball" as the first piece, as I wanted to perform it one last time with the Japan Philharmonic after more than 30 years in 2023. It's a masterpiece that explores a variety of themes, including love triangles, resentment, gender, and pure love. I believe you'll enjoy the music to the fullest in the beautiful acoustics of Suntory Hall. Taking a bird's-eye view of a long work like an opera and creating it with a strong momentum will be a valuable experience for the Japan Philharmonic, and I hope it will also serve as a platform to introduce young Japanese singers. I also hope that the Japan Philharmonic audience will be able to experience the true joy of a comprehensive art form. |
"Masquerade Ball" Synopsis
The story takes place in late 17th century Boston.
Riccardo's trusted subordinate, Renato, and his wife, Amelia, have secret feelings for each other.
One day, Riccardo visits the prophet Ulrica, hiding his identity.
Amelia appears and learns that she is struggling with her feelings for him.
Ulrika tells Riccardo that he will be killed by the first person he shakes hands with.
Renato appears there, unaware of what is going on, and shakes hands with Riccardo...
Special Performance
Junichi Hirokami & Japan Philharmonic Orchestra "Opera Journey" Vol.1
Verdi: Opera "Un Ballo in Masquerade"
(Semi-staged / 3 acts / subtitled)
Starts at 2025:4 on Saturday, July 26, 17
Sunday, November 2025, 4, 27:17 start
Suntory Hall
Conductor: Junichi Hirokami [Friend of the JPO (Artistic Advisor)]
Directed by Isao Takashima
Amelia: Eri Nakamura
Riccardo: Naoki Miyazato
Renato: Hibiki Ikeuchi
Ulrika: Sumie Fukuhara
Oscar: Mao Morita
Silvano: Hironori Takahashi
Samuel: Daiki Tanaka
Tom: Shingo Sugio
Chorus: Tokyo College of Music
<Release date>
Wednesday, November 2024, 12 11:10
<Fee>
SS ¥12,000 S ¥9,500 A ¥8,000 B ¥6,500 C ¥5,000 D ¥3,000 *Some parts may be cut off/Telephone only
Ys (under 25) ¥4,000* Gs (over 70) ¥5,000* *Excluding SS, S, D
<Purchase/Inquiries>
Japan Philharmonic Service Center
TEL: 03-5378-5911 (Weekdays 10am-17pm)
https://eticket.japanphil.or.jp/
