Sat, Jan 30 2010 04:13 | Permalink
PLAUDITS
Our just-completed Mozart Birthday Serenade on Wednesday 27th January was a musical treat for all, and Tchaikovsky prize-winning soloist Sara Buechner was marvelous to work with. From her, we heard, "The spirit of your concerts is really wonderful ... a total delight. You are doing special things with the Tokyo Sinfonia, and I am glad to have been a part of that." -- Sara
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Comments
Summer musings
Fri, Jul 24 2009 08:10 | Permalink
Once again, this time of the year seems to yield several thoughts to share with you, quite apart from the usual announcements of coming programmes in the Tokyo Sinfonia performance schedule.
SPONSOR
We are delighted to welcome the Tokyo Sinfonia's newest Gold Sponsor, Apagard, or more precisely the maker of that product, the Sangi Corporation. Our relationships with our sponsors and supporters are perhaps unusually personal, and Apagard is no exception. President Shuji Sakuma graduated from university with a degree in literature and a vibrantly questioning mind. His experiments produced a formula for an essential substance in teeth care which he patented successfully and turned into a healthy company and a highly respected product line, including the most expensive toothpaste in the world. You may have noticed that Tokyo Sinfonia members have beautiful smiles. We are pleased indeed to welcome Apagard to the Sinfonia family. Apagard's Gold Sponsorship begins with the Schubert Serenade Symphonies for Strings champagne concert in September.
SPONSOR
We are also delighted to tell you that Minato-ku has extended their association with the Tokyo Sinfonia for a second year as Platinum Sponsor of the Symphonies for Strings champagne concerts. This year the ward office has deepend their partnership with us by arranging for the orchestra to present Sinfonia-in-the-Schools performances in several of Minato-ku's public schools. I love teaching, and this programme has long been close to my heart. It is through the youth that we can reach directly to families, and families are truly the heart of society. Following our performances in the schools, we give every student a special coupon offering them free admission to a regular performance of the Tokyo Sinfonia when accompanied by an adult. You may have noticed young people in our concerts in Oji Hall before. One three-year-old brought her mother to all the Symphonies for Strings concerts, and they sat right in the front. You may see more youngsters in our audiences in the future. Isn't Tokyo a great place to live?
FRIENDS
Two new members have recently joined the Sinfonia's circle of Friends: Dr. Yoji Koshibu, a busy doctor on the staff of Akasaka Medical Square, and Trond Varlig, busy President of Tomra Systems recycling machines. Trond Varlig is highly active promoting activities of the Nordic countries, and wishes to see our Friends group become more pro-active in the life of the Tokyo Sinfonia. The Friends is a group that can become anything you want it to be; it's not only about money. We invite more of you who love the Sinfonia to join the Friends and help us grow and flourish.
SPEECHES
In recent months I have been invited to give luncheon addresses for the Rotary, and for several of the foreign chambers of commerce in Japan. The speeches have produced some unexpected and delightful results. Discussions are already under way which I hope soon to be able to tell you about. In the meantime, initial arrangements have been made for me to speak sometime in the fall for the American Chamber of Commerce in Japan, and possibly for a group of the Nordic countries as well.
I am always happy to be invited to speak about the Tokyo Sinfonia, its special qualities, and its lessons for the business world and society in general. For example: our potential audience is drawn from the upper ten percent of the populace living and working within one hour from the concert hall where we perform. Think about that for a moment.
That's only a tenth of 34 million people, or some 3 million people. That many people would fill Oji Hall 10,000 times. If we were to present concerts 4 times every week, it would take the Tokyo Sinfonia 50 years to perform for them, and we would reach person only one once. For that reason we do not attempt to recycle the existing concert audience, as other orchestras do, but concentrate on reaching out to attract new people to hear an orchestra -- our orchestra -- in live performance for the first time. The next time you plan to come to the Tokyo Sinfonia, please consider inviting a friend or friends to join you, especially someone who has never before heard an orchestra to the full throb of live performance. They'll be glad you did. You'll be glad you did. We'll be glad you did.
COMMENTS
One of our good friends was unable to attend a recent Tokyo Sinfonia performance (the Dvorak Serenade, I believe), and passed his concert tickets along to a friend of his. The man's wife has become severely hard of hearing though and is acutely sensitive to high and harsh sounds; apparently it has become a point of difficulty between the couple. However, with some trepidation, she expressed interest in going to our performance. During the music, according to the report, she leaned over to her husband, her eyes shining, and said, "I can hear the music."
ABROAD
Negotiations are underway, as you know, for at least two Tokyo Sinfonia concert tours in the Pacific islands. Ambassador Jiba Kabua of the Marshall Islands and Ambassador Minoru Ueki of Palau are both currently working with us, with their governments and with commercial sponsors to arrange for the Sinfona to perform in each of their countries sometime in the coming year. When tour details are concrete, friends and supporters of the Tokyo Sinfonia will be invited to join us overseas for a combination of concerts, sightseeing, souvenirs and holiday relaxation.
AND
Oct. 8 and 11, I will conduct the Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra in performances of the Beethoven 9th Symphony at the Cultural Center of the Philippines in Manila. The Philharmonic has planned to present both an indoor and an outdoor performance. Those who would be interested in details of a three- or four-day holiday package, including travel, accommodation, concerts, sightseeing, souvenirs, relaxation, and lunch with me in Manila, may wish to contact Philippine Airlines Country Manager Danilo Lim at (03) 5157 4367.
With every good wish from
Robert Ryker
and the Tokyo Sinfonia
Conductors Seminar!
Fri, May 8 2009 09:41 | Permalink
The Tokyo Sinfonia Conductors Seminar is an intensive, hands-on programme for young conductors
- Its purpose is to help talented conductors improve the artistic results they obtain in performance
- The seminar includes 6 orchestra session, 2 critique sessions, 1 lecture-discussion session, 1 public performance
- Each active participant will be provided scores of all seminar repertoire without charge
- Seminar sessions will be conducted in Japanese and English
- The seminar will be held in Akasaka
Schedule
- 7/6 (月)
- 7/7 (火)
- 7/8 (水)
- 7/9 (木)
- 7/10 (金)
The orchestra will determine which participants will conduct the final public performance
Please download this pamphlet for more details.
To a few musical friends
Fri, May 8 2009 09:06 | Permalink
Spring is here to bring a smile to the lips. The Tokyo Sinfonia is busy with projects to bring you more attractive programmes, products and services for your enjoyment. Some of the news:
CDs
We are often asked about CDs of the great repertoire we have recorded in performance. The following titles are available. Prices are ¥1,500 for single disks, ¥2,500 for double*, and we'll pay the postage. You can send us an email, or order on line at www.tokyosonfonia.com.
Bach Solo Cantatas (Tokyo Sinfonia Players), Beethoven Serenade, Beethoven Symphony for Strings, Brahms Serenade, Brahms Symphony for Strings, Bruckner Serenade, Bruckner Symphony for Strings, Mendelssohn Serenade*, Mendelssohn Symphony for Strings, Mozart Birthday Serenade 250, Mozart Birthday Serenade 251*, Mozart Birthday Serenade 252*, Mozart Birthday Serenade 253*, Mozart Haffner Serenade, Mozart Serenade*, Mozart Symphony for Strings, Russian Summer Serenade 1, Russian Summer Serenade 2*, Russian Summer Serenade 3*, Scarlatti Santa Teodosia, Tchaikovsky The Seasons, Chorus & Strings (Tokyo Sinfonia Mens Chorus), Guitar & Strings (Paul Bankes), Piano & Strings (Alexei Komarov), Saxophone & Strings (Otis Murphy), Strings & Strings (Tokyo Sinfonia Soloists)
SEMINAR
In July, the Tokyo Sinfonia will offer a seminar-workshop for young conductors, a special project which has long been near my heart. Conducting participants will have a very full week of practical, hands-on experience with the Tokyo Sinfonia, including 6 rehearsal sessions, a lecture-discussion, 2 critique sessions, and a final public performance (July 10). The repertoire includes Bach, Brahms, Dvorak, Mendelssohn, Schubert and Shostakovich. The participant's fee is ¥50,000. We plan to accept only five to ten active participants.
Word of mouth is our best form of advertising. If there are any talented conductors you know and like, kindly mention the Tokyo Sinfonia Conductors Seminar to them so he or she can contact us for details. I'll probably answer the phone myself. (03) 3588 0738. And thanks!
SALESMAN
A great marketing team has just handed the Tokyo Sinfonia the results of a marvelous business plan for our future expansion. Based on rather remarkable growth during our formative years, the plans calls for a more substantial investment in our administrative side generally, and in marketing/sales particularly.
We are now interviewing candidates for the position of director of marketing/sales. A dedicated salesmen who loves to sell what he believes in, and who genuinely enjoys classical music -- I would love to work with someone like that!
We offer the advantages of a highly portable and cost effective operation of high quality and considerable flexibility. And we have projects and leads. We just need the legs to follow up. I write music and conduct the orchestra, and dream of all we could be doing if we only had three or four more people to help us do it. We'll be generous about commissions. Are you one of the persons we need? Let's talk.
SERENADE
The next event in the Tokyo Sinfonia calendar is May 22 (Friday), another of our highly popular FCCJ dinner-concerts. The programme has got to be a winner! The incredible Viennese romanticism of Schubert, Mozart and Haydn all generate that certain magic to make the food taste twice as good. There are tickets available. Due to the Golden Week holidays, there are more tickets still available than I had expected this close to the date. May 22. Do organise a party and come join us for this summer dinner-concert serenade and the music of Vienna.
Tokyo Sinfonia in May (5/22): FCCJ dinner-concert
AUSTRIAN SERENADE
Symphony No. 5 (Schubert)
Violin Concerto No. 5 (Mozart) - Keiko Kawamata, Violin solo
Symphony No. 5 (Haydn)
3-course traditional Austrian dinner
Foreign Correspondents' Club of Japan (Yurakucho)
Table tickets: Group ￥8,445 each; Single ￥9,335; 4-concert subscriptions ￥33,000
An Austria-Japan Friendship Year 2009 event
See you at the Sinfonia!
With every good wish from
Robert Ryker and the Tokyo Sinfonia
tickets@tokyosinfonia.com
(03) 3588 0738
www.tokyosinfonia.com
CDs
We are often asked about CDs of the great repertoire we have recorded in performance. The following titles are available. Prices are ¥1,500 for single disks, ¥2,500 for double*, and we'll pay the postage. You can send us an email, or order on line at www.tokyosonfonia.com.
Bach Solo Cantatas (Tokyo Sinfonia Players), Beethoven Serenade, Beethoven Symphony for Strings, Brahms Serenade, Brahms Symphony for Strings, Bruckner Serenade, Bruckner Symphony for Strings, Mendelssohn Serenade*, Mendelssohn Symphony for Strings, Mozart Birthday Serenade 250, Mozart Birthday Serenade 251*, Mozart Birthday Serenade 252*, Mozart Birthday Serenade 253*, Mozart Haffner Serenade, Mozart Serenade*, Mozart Symphony for Strings, Russian Summer Serenade 1, Russian Summer Serenade 2*, Russian Summer Serenade 3*, Scarlatti Santa Teodosia, Tchaikovsky The Seasons, Chorus & Strings (Tokyo Sinfonia Mens Chorus), Guitar & Strings (Paul Bankes), Piano & Strings (Alexei Komarov), Saxophone & Strings (Otis Murphy), Strings & Strings (Tokyo Sinfonia Soloists)
SEMINAR
In July, the Tokyo Sinfonia will offer a seminar-workshop for young conductors, a special project which has long been near my heart. Conducting participants will have a very full week of practical, hands-on experience with the Tokyo Sinfonia, including 6 rehearsal sessions, a lecture-discussion, 2 critique sessions, and a final public performance (July 10). The repertoire includes Bach, Brahms, Dvorak, Mendelssohn, Schubert and Shostakovich. The participant's fee is ¥50,000. We plan to accept only five to ten active participants.
Word of mouth is our best form of advertising. If there are any talented conductors you know and like, kindly mention the Tokyo Sinfonia Conductors Seminar to them so he or she can contact us for details. I'll probably answer the phone myself. (03) 3588 0738. And thanks!
SALESMAN
A great marketing team has just handed the Tokyo Sinfonia the results of a marvelous business plan for our future expansion. Based on rather remarkable growth during our formative years, the plans calls for a more substantial investment in our administrative side generally, and in marketing/sales particularly.
We are now interviewing candidates for the position of director of marketing/sales. A dedicated salesmen who loves to sell what he believes in, and who genuinely enjoys classical music -- I would love to work with someone like that!
We offer the advantages of a highly portable and cost effective operation of high quality and considerable flexibility. And we have projects and leads. We just need the legs to follow up. I write music and conduct the orchestra, and dream of all we could be doing if we only had three or four more people to help us do it. We'll be generous about commissions. Are you one of the persons we need? Let's talk.
SERENADE
The next event in the Tokyo Sinfonia calendar is May 22 (Friday), another of our highly popular FCCJ dinner-concerts. The programme has got to be a winner! The incredible Viennese romanticism of Schubert, Mozart and Haydn all generate that certain magic to make the food taste twice as good. There are tickets available. Due to the Golden Week holidays, there are more tickets still available than I had expected this close to the date. May 22. Do organise a party and come join us for this summer dinner-concert serenade and the music of Vienna.
Tokyo Sinfonia in May (5/22): FCCJ dinner-concert
AUSTRIAN SERENADE
Symphony No. 5 (Schubert)
Violin Concerto No. 5 (Mozart) - Keiko Kawamata, Violin solo
Symphony No. 5 (Haydn)
3-course traditional Austrian dinner
Foreign Correspondents' Club of Japan (Yurakucho)
Table tickets: Group ￥8,445 each; Single ￥9,335; 4-concert subscriptions ￥33,000
An Austria-Japan Friendship Year 2009 event
See you at the Sinfonia!
With every good wish from
Robert Ryker and the Tokyo Sinfonia
tickets@tokyosinfonia.com
(03) 3588 0738
www.tokyosinfonia.com
Tokyo Sinfonia in the economy
Sat, Mar 14 2009 09:42 | Permalink
HIGHLIGHT: Tokyo Sinfonia's Bruckner Serenade
The Tokyo Sinfonia's Bruckner Serenade last week was very well received. I am so pleased! The style of Bruckner is very special, spiritual is the best word, manifested in the long, glowing lines and expressive arches of sound. I am delighted that the orchestra seems to have taken on a new and still deeper musical maturity. The music was beautiful, even more beautiful (I must confess) than I had imagined it to be.
The audience was inclined to linger long after the concert over the champagne and chocolates, chatting together, meeting each other, greeting the musicians and me. I notice a growing sense of personal identification between audience members and what the Tokyo Sinfonia is doing -- what, and how well. Almost everyone I spoke with told me they were very moved by the music. One wrote afterward that this was the orchestra's finest concert yet. All of the Oji Hall performances have been recorded, and the Sinfonia's live concert CDs are also attracting increased attention. We'll get them online soon, too, so you can download your favourites.
SPECIAL PLEA for Sponsors and Supporters
On a serious note, you must already be aware that support for concerts everywhere has significantly diminished. Orchestras and opera companies are canceling scheduled concerts due to a lack of sponsorship. As for the Tokyo Sinfonia, our rigourously lean budget may protect us somewhat. Certain sponsors traditionally linking their public image to classical concerts might now find us a welcome alternative. We are actively seeking such sponsors. This takes time, intelligence, initiative and energy, and a good sales team.
FINANCIAL SUPPORT for our April concert
The budget for our Clarinet Serenade would be covered with 200 tickets sold, or 50 subscriptions, or three supporters -- or one sponsor. Otherwise, the April 17 concert will have to be cancelled, or at least postponed. It will take a minor miracle though to save the date just upon us. May is on, and June, July, August, September. If you can lead us to a fine company who could be interested in the possibility of linking their corporate image with the Tokyo Sinfonia as a sponsor or sustaining supporter, I would greatly appreciate an introduction. Sponsor details are below. For yourself, please consider purchasing a 4-concert subscription to the series you prefer. Or, if you can become a supporter, a lot of people will love you.
SALES & PROMOTION Staff
We wish to offer a position with the Tokyo Sinfonia to someone who would like to help build our audience and sponsor supports. We need someone with enthusiasm, good organisation and a good personality; someone who likes music. The possibilities are virtually limitless. Please consider if you know a suitable person who could be interested in this position with us. If you could make an introduction, I would be very grateful.
UNU Lecture-concerts
On a happy note, our three main series -- Symphonies for Strings, Sinfonia Plus, and FCCJ Dinner-concerts -- are soon to be increased to four with the addition of a something quite new. The United Nations University has invited the Tokyo Sinfonia to become Orchestra in Residence to present a regular series of UNU Lecture-concerts in U Thant Hall at the United Nations University. Many details have already been settled, and sponsors are being sought.
Up to the minute information is soon to follow. We love you, you know. See you at the Sinfonia!
Robert Ryker
and the Tokyo Sinfonia
www.tokyosinfonia.com
SINFONIA SERIES
Symphonies for Strings, 4 programmes a year featuring composer serenades in stunning Oji Hall (Ginza)
Tickets: group ¥5,500, single ¥6,000; 4-concert subscription ¥20,000
Sinfonia Plus, 4 programmes a year featuring international guest artist serenades
Tickets: group ¥5,500, single ¥6,000, Russian embassy ¥10,000; 4-concert subscription ¥25,000
FCCJ Dinner-concerts, 4 programmes a year featuring themed national serenades, concert & cuisine
Tickets: group ¥8,445, single ¥9,335; 4-concert subscription ¥33,000
SUBSCRIBER BENEFITS
Subscriber discount
Subscriber discount applied to guests
Reserved seating in the centre section
Personal recognition at reception
SUPPORTER BENEFITS
¥300,000 annually for individuals or corporates
Flexible ticketing for all events
VIP treatment accorded to all guests
Reserved seating in the centre section
Personal recognition at reception
SPONSOR BENEFITS
Y2,000,000 applied to a series
Sponsor logo on the Sinfonia website
Sponsor logo on the concert chirashi
Sponsor logo and ad space in the concert programme
Sponsor promotional material on display
Flexible complimentary tickets as requested
Reserved seating and Platinum Sponsor treatment
Special reception privileges
¥1,000,000 applied to a single event or series
Sponsor logo on the Sinfonia website
Sponsor logo on the concert chirashi
Sponsor logo and ad space in the concert programme
Sponsor promotional material on display
8 complimentary tickets
Reserved seating and Gold Sponsor treatment
¥500,000 applied to a single event
Sponsor logo on the Sinfonia website
Sponsor logo on the concert chirashi
Sponsor logo in the concert programme
4 complimentary tickets
Reserved seating and VIP treatment
ADVERTISING IN TOKYO SINFONIA CONCERT PROGRAMMES
Full page ¥100,000
Half page ¥60,000
Quarter page ¥35,000
The Tokyo Sinfonia's Bruckner Serenade last week was very well received. I am so pleased! The style of Bruckner is very special, spiritual is the best word, manifested in the long, glowing lines and expressive arches of sound. I am delighted that the orchestra seems to have taken on a new and still deeper musical maturity. The music was beautiful, even more beautiful (I must confess) than I had imagined it to be.
The audience was inclined to linger long after the concert over the champagne and chocolates, chatting together, meeting each other, greeting the musicians and me. I notice a growing sense of personal identification between audience members and what the Tokyo Sinfonia is doing -- what, and how well. Almost everyone I spoke with told me they were very moved by the music. One wrote afterward that this was the orchestra's finest concert yet. All of the Oji Hall performances have been recorded, and the Sinfonia's live concert CDs are also attracting increased attention. We'll get them online soon, too, so you can download your favourites.
SPECIAL PLEA for Sponsors and Supporters
On a serious note, you must already be aware that support for concerts everywhere has significantly diminished. Orchestras and opera companies are canceling scheduled concerts due to a lack of sponsorship. As for the Tokyo Sinfonia, our rigourously lean budget may protect us somewhat. Certain sponsors traditionally linking their public image to classical concerts might now find us a welcome alternative. We are actively seeking such sponsors. This takes time, intelligence, initiative and energy, and a good sales team.
FINANCIAL SUPPORT for our April concert
The budget for our Clarinet Serenade would be covered with 200 tickets sold, or 50 subscriptions, or three supporters -- or one sponsor. Otherwise, the April 17 concert will have to be cancelled, or at least postponed. It will take a minor miracle though to save the date just upon us. May is on, and June, July, August, September. If you can lead us to a fine company who could be interested in the possibility of linking their corporate image with the Tokyo Sinfonia as a sponsor or sustaining supporter, I would greatly appreciate an introduction. Sponsor details are below. For yourself, please consider purchasing a 4-concert subscription to the series you prefer. Or, if you can become a supporter, a lot of people will love you.
SALES & PROMOTION Staff
We wish to offer a position with the Tokyo Sinfonia to someone who would like to help build our audience and sponsor supports. We need someone with enthusiasm, good organisation and a good personality; someone who likes music. The possibilities are virtually limitless. Please consider if you know a suitable person who could be interested in this position with us. If you could make an introduction, I would be very grateful.
UNU Lecture-concerts
On a happy note, our three main series -- Symphonies for Strings, Sinfonia Plus, and FCCJ Dinner-concerts -- are soon to be increased to four with the addition of a something quite new. The United Nations University has invited the Tokyo Sinfonia to become Orchestra in Residence to present a regular series of UNU Lecture-concerts in U Thant Hall at the United Nations University. Many details have already been settled, and sponsors are being sought.
Up to the minute information is soon to follow. We love you, you know. See you at the Sinfonia!
Robert Ryker
and the Tokyo Sinfonia
www.tokyosinfonia.com
SINFONIA SERIES
Symphonies for Strings, 4 programmes a year featuring composer serenades in stunning Oji Hall (Ginza)
Tickets: group ¥5,500, single ¥6,000; 4-concert subscription ¥20,000
Sinfonia Plus, 4 programmes a year featuring international guest artist serenades
Tickets: group ¥5,500, single ¥6,000, Russian embassy ¥10,000; 4-concert subscription ¥25,000
FCCJ Dinner-concerts, 4 programmes a year featuring themed national serenades, concert & cuisine
Tickets: group ¥8,445, single ¥9,335; 4-concert subscription ¥33,000
SUBSCRIBER BENEFITS
Subscriber discount
Subscriber discount applied to guests
Reserved seating in the centre section
Personal recognition at reception
SUPPORTER BENEFITS
¥300,000 annually for individuals or corporates
Flexible ticketing for all events
VIP treatment accorded to all guests
Reserved seating in the centre section
Personal recognition at reception
SPONSOR BENEFITS
Y2,000,000 applied to a series
Sponsor logo on the Sinfonia website
Sponsor logo on the concert chirashi
Sponsor logo and ad space in the concert programme
Sponsor promotional material on display
Flexible complimentary tickets as requested
Reserved seating and Platinum Sponsor treatment
Special reception privileges
¥1,000,000 applied to a single event or series
Sponsor logo on the Sinfonia website
Sponsor logo on the concert chirashi
Sponsor logo and ad space in the concert programme
Sponsor promotional material on display
8 complimentary tickets
Reserved seating and Gold Sponsor treatment
¥500,000 applied to a single event
Sponsor logo on the Sinfonia website
Sponsor logo on the concert chirashi
Sponsor logo in the concert programme
4 complimentary tickets
Reserved seating and VIP treatment
ADVERTISING IN TOKYO SINFONIA CONCERT PROGRAMMES
Full page ¥100,000
Half page ¥60,000
Quarter page ¥35,000
DeVere & Partners
Mon, Nov 17 2008 07:25 | Permalink
One of the first and strongest supporters of the Tokyo Sinfonia is Brent Nicholson, whom you may have noticed, as he has attended all of our concerts.
I am delighted to announce that as Senior Partner of Devere & Partners, the largest independent offshore financial consultancy in the world, he has offered to extend his support by offering a very special service to any of our concertgoers, without charge or obligation, which would benefit the Tokyo Sinfonia. He has graciously agreed to review personal financial investments with a view to improving on their yield. From any business resulting, Devere & Partners would donate their normal commissions to the Tokyo Sinfonia.
DeVere & Partners has a long history of such corporate support for community organizations. Now their support has been extended to us. Two of their current investment programmes offer a guaranteed return of 11.25% per annum. The details are easily available. Please feel free to contact Brent directly on (03) 3568 2747 and mention the Tokyo Sinfonia special support programme.
With every good wish
from Robert Ryker
I am delighted to announce that as Senior Partner of Devere & Partners, the largest independent offshore financial consultancy in the world, he has offered to extend his support by offering a very special service to any of our concertgoers, without charge or obligation, which would benefit the Tokyo Sinfonia. He has graciously agreed to review personal financial investments with a view to improving on their yield. From any business resulting, Devere & Partners would donate their normal commissions to the Tokyo Sinfonia.
DeVere & Partners has a long history of such corporate support for community organizations. Now their support has been extended to us. Two of their current investment programmes offer a guaranteed return of 11.25% per annum. The details are easily available. Please feel free to contact Brent directly on (03) 3568 2747 and mention the Tokyo Sinfonia special support programme.
With every good wish
from Robert Ryker
For Volunteers
Fri, Aug 15 2008 02:43 | Permalink
The Tokyo Sinfonia is not like just any ordinary orchestra. The Sinfonia is unique in Japan, offering enjoyable, accessible classical music for both those new to it, and for experts. It is big enough to make a rich and satisfying sound, and compact enough to be cost-effective and portable.
Our entry-level series is the Tokyo Sinfonia dinner-concerts at the Foreign Correspondents Cub of Japan in Yurakucho, supported by Shinsei Bank as a part of its community relations program. Feedback from earlier performances is on the back of the chirashi. The next event this year is a Scandinavian Serenade in November, followed by an English Serenade in February. Our quarterly dinner-concert Serenades are highly important for attracting an audience of people coming to a classical performance for the first time. The programmes have attracted many repeaters, many groups, and many words of praise such as "That was hugely enjoyable."
That is not all we do. Tokyo Sinfonia programmes for musical aficionados include two series at Oji Hall in Ginza and elsewhere: Symphonies for Strings, and Sinfonia Plus. These programmes too draw many repeaters, many groups, and many words of praise.
The fourth cornerstone of the Tokyo Sinfonia's regular programmes, equally important, is Sinfonia in the Schools, developing a well-rounded citizenry of the future.
When I see you in our audiences and hear your reactions, I know that your support genuinely comes from the heart, and is not merely lip service for the arts. You have seen chirashi for some of our performances. It would be my pleasure to have you listen also to our CDs, so you can know that the Tokyo Sinfonia really does sound good, and really does touch your heart.
What can volunteers do?
Our entry-level series is the Tokyo Sinfonia dinner-concerts at the Foreign Correspondents Cub of Japan in Yurakucho, supported by Shinsei Bank as a part of its community relations program. Feedback from earlier performances is on the back of the chirashi. The next event this year is a Scandinavian Serenade in November, followed by an English Serenade in February. Our quarterly dinner-concert Serenades are highly important for attracting an audience of people coming to a classical performance for the first time. The programmes have attracted many repeaters, many groups, and many words of praise such as "That was hugely enjoyable."
That is not all we do. Tokyo Sinfonia programmes for musical aficionados include two series at Oji Hall in Ginza and elsewhere: Symphonies for Strings, and Sinfonia Plus. These programmes too draw many repeaters, many groups, and many words of praise.
The fourth cornerstone of the Tokyo Sinfonia's regular programmes, equally important, is Sinfonia in the Schools, developing a well-rounded citizenry of the future.
When I see you in our audiences and hear your reactions, I know that your support genuinely comes from the heart, and is not merely lip service for the arts. You have seen chirashi for some of our performances. It would be my pleasure to have you listen also to our CDs, so you can know that the Tokyo Sinfonia really does sound good, and really does touch your heart.
What can volunteers do?
- Help design and distribute publicity materials and distribute advance publicity
- Distribute publicity materials to print and broadcast media, and arrange for interviews and followup
- Organise groups (orphans, students, seniors, handicapped) to attend the events, arrange transportation and escort the participants
- Help design printed programmes, print the programmes, and distribute printed programmes to attendees
- Videotape performances, edit the videotape, and make appropriate use of the videotape afterwards for information and publicity
Summer Musings
Fri, Jul 4 2008 12:49 | Permalink
To a few musical friends
JUNE MEMORIES The Tokyo Sinfonia performance of the Mozart Serenade in Oji Hall last-last week was a splendid success. We were absolutely delighted to bring Mozart's Symphony for Strings to the concert hall. We will surely perform this magnificent work again many times. Oji Hall was again well filled. So was the programme. The Haffner Serenade may well be the greatest piece of background music ever composed, as I explained to the audience, and also perhaps the lengthiest -- one full hour of music bubbling with charm and good spirits. It compressed unusually the time available for the artists & audience post-concert champagne in the lobby, and I want to pay tribute to the cheerful Oji Hall staff who greatly assisted our staff and volunteers in smoothing the logistics of a very full and memorable evening.
SINFONIA FACES You may notice that some of our regular players are away again for summer projects. Last summer, violinist Tamaki Goto performed in the Alasaka summer festival (and was featured on the front page of the newspaper). This summer violinist Sayaka Kanazawa, for one, will be performing in a summer festival in Germany.
RUSSIAN SUMMER SERENADE Our next performance (7/18) features concert pianist Alexei Komarov with the Tokyo Sinfonia in the Great Hall of the Russian Embassy. We are greatly indebted to His Excellency Ambassador Mikhail Bely for his gracious invitation to return to perform for the third time in the Bolshoi Sal, and to Cultural Counsellor Leonid Gamza for arranging for the appearance of our guest soloist. About 20 Patron Tickets remain for this event. Please note that tickets cannot be purchased at the door. A Patron Ticket and personal identification are required in order to be admitted to the Russian Embassy grounds.
SPONSORSHIPS We are very grateful to the Tokyo British Clinic, Minato-ku and the Rohm Music Foundation for their sponsorship of the Symphonies for Strings series in Oji Hall, and to the Shinsei Bank for sustaining the FCCJ dinner-concert series with a large block of tickets which they give to clients, employees and friends of the bank. Our third series, Sinfonia Plus, is available for similar sponsorship and an opportunity to link corporate or personal image with the imaginative programming, inviting presentation and friendly rapport of the Tokyo Sinfonia. Formally, this series will debut in 2009, but the CHORAL SERENADE programme in Oji Hall this fall (10/17) is a splendid example of what is to come. Planned in collaboration with the world-famous Vienna Schubertbund, who provided the programme concept, performing material and artistic inspiration, the stage will be unusually filled by the Tokyo Sinfonia and Sinfonia Mens Chorus. For sponsorship benefits, please contact our special projects genius Roger Brookin (roger@okyosinfonia).
For tickets by mail, kindly contact us online at www.tokyosinfonia.com You can also phone us at (03) 3588 0738, fax us at (03) 3588 0731, or email us at roger@tokyosinfonia.com
See you at the Sinfonia!
With every good wish from
Robert Ryker and the Tokyo Sinfonia
(For more information on the below, click here)
TOKYO SINFONIA IN JULY (7/18) Russian Summer Serenade in the Bolshoi Sal
TOKYO SINFONIA IN AUGUST (8/8) Italian Serenade at the FCCJ
TOKYO SINFONIA IN SEPTEMBER (9/19) Brahms Serenade at Oji Hall
TOKYO SINFONIA IN OCTOBER (10/17) Choral Serenade at Oji Hall
TOKYO SINFONIA IN NOVEMBER (11/14) Scandinavian Serenade at the FCCJ
TOKYO SINFONIA IN DECEMBER (12/12) Mendelssohn Serenade at Oji Hall
TOKYO SINFONIA IN JANUARY (1/27) Mozart Birthday Serenade at Shinsei Hall
JUNE MEMORIES The Tokyo Sinfonia performance of the Mozart Serenade in Oji Hall last-last week was a splendid success. We were absolutely delighted to bring Mozart's Symphony for Strings to the concert hall. We will surely perform this magnificent work again many times. Oji Hall was again well filled. So was the programme. The Haffner Serenade may well be the greatest piece of background music ever composed, as I explained to the audience, and also perhaps the lengthiest -- one full hour of music bubbling with charm and good spirits. It compressed unusually the time available for the artists & audience post-concert champagne in the lobby, and I want to pay tribute to the cheerful Oji Hall staff who greatly assisted our staff and volunteers in smoothing the logistics of a very full and memorable evening.
SINFONIA FACES You may notice that some of our regular players are away again for summer projects. Last summer, violinist Tamaki Goto performed in the Alasaka summer festival (and was featured on the front page of the newspaper). This summer violinist Sayaka Kanazawa, for one, will be performing in a summer festival in Germany.
RUSSIAN SUMMER SERENADE Our next performance (7/18) features concert pianist Alexei Komarov with the Tokyo Sinfonia in the Great Hall of the Russian Embassy. We are greatly indebted to His Excellency Ambassador Mikhail Bely for his gracious invitation to return to perform for the third time in the Bolshoi Sal, and to Cultural Counsellor Leonid Gamza for arranging for the appearance of our guest soloist. About 20 Patron Tickets remain for this event. Please note that tickets cannot be purchased at the door. A Patron Ticket and personal identification are required in order to be admitted to the Russian Embassy grounds.
SPONSORSHIPS We are very grateful to the Tokyo British Clinic, Minato-ku and the Rohm Music Foundation for their sponsorship of the Symphonies for Strings series in Oji Hall, and to the Shinsei Bank for sustaining the FCCJ dinner-concert series with a large block of tickets which they give to clients, employees and friends of the bank. Our third series, Sinfonia Plus, is available for similar sponsorship and an opportunity to link corporate or personal image with the imaginative programming, inviting presentation and friendly rapport of the Tokyo Sinfonia. Formally, this series will debut in 2009, but the CHORAL SERENADE programme in Oji Hall this fall (10/17) is a splendid example of what is to come. Planned in collaboration with the world-famous Vienna Schubertbund, who provided the programme concept, performing material and artistic inspiration, the stage will be unusually filled by the Tokyo Sinfonia and Sinfonia Mens Chorus. For sponsorship benefits, please contact our special projects genius Roger Brookin (roger@okyosinfonia).
For tickets by mail, kindly contact us online at www.tokyosinfonia.com You can also phone us at (03) 3588 0738, fax us at (03) 3588 0731, or email us at roger@tokyosinfonia.com
See you at the Sinfonia!
With every good wish from
Robert Ryker and the Tokyo Sinfonia
(For more information on the below, click here)
TOKYO SINFONIA IN JULY (7/18) Russian Summer Serenade in the Bolshoi Sal
TOKYO SINFONIA IN AUGUST (8/8) Italian Serenade at the FCCJ
TOKYO SINFONIA IN SEPTEMBER (9/19) Brahms Serenade at Oji Hall
TOKYO SINFONIA IN OCTOBER (10/17) Choral Serenade at Oji Hall
TOKYO SINFONIA IN NOVEMBER (11/14) Scandinavian Serenade at the FCCJ
TOKYO SINFONIA IN DECEMBER (12/12) Mendelssohn Serenade at Oji Hall
TOKYO SINFONIA IN JANUARY (1/27) Mozart Birthday Serenade at Shinsei Hall
We have some truly great people
Fri, Feb 29 2008 05:27 | Permalink
I couldn't help but think ...
we have some truly great people who believe in the Tokyo Sinfonia, and the future seems bright. Looking back, now that I think of it, our first years have been pretty good to us. Exciting. Inspiring. It's amazing, in fact, how far we've come so quickly!
Thanks to Tomoko, Sakurako, Mao, Atsuko, Akio, Keiko, TG, Maiko, Sayaka, Fumiko, Mineko, Tomoko, Chiharu, Shoko, Takeshi, Yozo, Teppei, Takefumi, Satoshi, Seigo, Koji, Naoki, Motokazu, Shoichi, Ayumi, Keiji, Mitsuyo, Hans, Mari and Roger -- and Gabriel, Masaki, Thierry, Yohko, Mary, Svetlana, Fred, and the hundreds of Sinfonia fans who have been a part of our audiences.
You're wonderful, and I love you all.
Robert
we have some truly great people who believe in the Tokyo Sinfonia, and the future seems bright. Looking back, now that I think of it, our first years have been pretty good to us. Exciting. Inspiring. It's amazing, in fact, how far we've come so quickly!
Thanks to Tomoko, Sakurako, Mao, Atsuko, Akio, Keiko, TG, Maiko, Sayaka, Fumiko, Mineko, Tomoko, Chiharu, Shoko, Takeshi, Yozo, Teppei, Takefumi, Satoshi, Seigo, Koji, Naoki, Motokazu, Shoichi, Ayumi, Keiji, Mitsuyo, Hans, Mari and Roger -- and Gabriel, Masaki, Thierry, Yohko, Mary, Svetlana, Fred, and the hundreds of Sinfonia fans who have been a part of our audiences.
You're wonderful, and I love you all.
Robert