We have received a message from former Principal Conductor Inkinen, who will be appearing in November!
ⒸFumiaki Fujimoto
Pietari Inkinen
"Working with the Japan Philharmonic Orchestra has always been invaluable to me. Over the past 15 years, I have performed with them many times, first as Principal Guest Conductor and then as Principal Conductor. I believe that the audiences in Tokyo and on tour have witnessed the mutual understanding and wonderful relationship we have built. The Japan Philharmonic Orchestra's sensitive response to even the smallest details and delicate nuances is also proof of our excellent musical compatibility. It has been a year and a half since our last collaboration in May 2023, and I am very happy to be able to meet again like this. During this time, I have gained experience, particularly in the field of opera, such as in Bayreuth's Ring Opera and Berlin's Tannhäuser, and the Japan Philharmonic Orchestra has also grown musically, and I am sure that all of this will be on display in this concert.
The Alpine Symphony is one of the most colorful works of art depicting nature and its power. It was Richard Strauss's final symphonic poem, completed in 1915, more than ten years after his previous work in the genre, "Symphonie Domestica." During that time, Strauss focused on opera, including such masterpieces as "Salome" and "Elektra." What's particularly fascinating about the Alpine Symphony is Strauss's masterful use of a vast orchestral palette to vividly depict the journey from the darkness of night at the foot of the mountain to reaching the summit. A true masterpiece of orchestration, it tells a story without words, making it one of the most exhilarating pieces to play and listen to. It describes 24 hours in the mountains, reaching the summit, and then returning before night falls again. Having a home in Zermatt and spending much of my time in the Alps, I feel a special affinity with this work. Back in the mountains, hiking is one of my favorite activities.
My co-star, Mayuko Kamio, is an excellent violinist who studied under Zakhar Bron and won the Tchaikovsky Competition. I believe Glazunov's Violin Concerto is a perfect fit for her, who draws on the Russian tradition. In 2017, we both participated in a concert celebrating the 70th birthday of our mutual teacher, Zakhar Bron. This concert is a very memorable one for me. I am truly looking forward to this collaboration!
November 23rd (Sat) 17:00 Yokohama Minato Mirai Hall
https://japanphil.or.jp/japanphil_wp/concert/20241123
November 24th (Sun) 14:00 Suntory Hall
https://japanphil.or.jp/japanphil_wp/concert/20241124
Conductor: Pietari Inkinen
Violin: Mayuko Kamio
Glazunov: Violin Concerto
R. Strauss: Alpine Symphony
