Sept. 16, 2024 (Mon., Holiday): Kyushu University Philharmonic Orchestra Special Ninth Symphony Concert — 100th Anniversary of the First Performance by Japanese Musicians
The Kyushu University Philharmonic Orchestra presents a special performance of Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony!
A Kyushu University project commemorating the 100th anniversary of the first performance by Japanese musicians
Beethoven’s Symphony No. 9, familiar as the Ode to Joy or simply the Ninth, has become a national favorite performed throughout Japan, especially at year’s end.
The work premiered in Vienna in 1824. One hundred years later, on Jan. 26, 1924, the Philharmonic Society of Kyushu Imperial University, predecessor of the Kyushu University Philharmonic Orchestra, became the first Japanese musicians to perform its famous fourth movement at a concert celebrating the wedding of the future Emperor Showa. That November, the orchestra of the Tokyo Music School, now the Tokyo University of the Arts Faculty of Music, became the first Japanese ensemble to perform the complete Ninth.
To commemorate this history, Kyushu University will present a special concert along with lectures, exhibitions, commemorative classes, and other programs about the Ninth and the university’s contribution to cultural creation. We have prepared inspiring programs and look forward to welcoming many participants.
This special performance of the Ninth takes place in 2024, 200 years after its world premiere and 100 years after its first performance by Japanese musicians.
Founded in 1909, the Kyushu University Philharmonic Orchestra is one of Japan’s oldest student orchestras. It premiered works by a range of composers and helped lay the foundation for Japanese orchestral music from the Meiji through Taisho eras.
After World War II, it developed under the guidance of Hiroshi Ishimaru, founder and permanent honorary conductor of the Kyushu Symphony Orchestra; Shunji Aratani, former chair of the Conductors Association of Japan and a graduate of Kyushu University’s faculties of law and literature; and Shunsaku Tsutsumi, founder of the Tokyo City Philharmonic Orchestra. Masato Suzuki became its music advisor in 2014, further enriching its activities.
The orchestra gave its first Tokyo concert in 2018 to mark its 110th anniversary and the completion of the Ito Campus, followed by a second highly successful Tokyo concert in 2022.
To commemorate 200 years since the Ninth’s premiere and 100 years since its first performance by Japanese musicians under the Kyushu University Philharmonic, the orchestra will recreate the historic program in this special concert.
Performers / Program
Conductor: Masato Suzuki
Soloists:
Soprano: Eri Sawae
Alto: Naoko Fuse
Tenor: Kohei Yamamoto
Baritone: Hirotaka Kato
Program:
Part I
Recreation of the Imperial Wedding Celebration Concert held 100 years ago
Mendelssohn: Wedding March
Recreation of the premiere of Newly Arranged Celebration Song
Part II
Beethoven: Symphony No. 9 in D minor, Choral
Concert information
Kyushu University Philharmonic Orchestra Special Ninth Symphony Concert
Date: Sept. 16, 2024 (Mon., holiday); doors 1:00 p.m., concert 2:00 p.m.
Venue: ACROS Fukuoka, Fukuoka Symphony Hall
Admission:
S seats ¥3,000
A seats ¥2,000
B seats ¥1,000
Preschool children may watch free of charge when seated on a guardian’s lap.
Inquiries:
Email: qdaiphil@gmail.com
Public relations (Inoue): 080-2738-0178
External relations (Abe): 080-4275-0331
