Friday, Jan 29 2010 07:06 | 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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TOKYO SINFONIA IN FEBRUARY 2010
We are looking forward to our return (2月19日) to the high aerie of the Foreign Correspondents' Club of Japan, overlooking the gardens of the Imperial Palace from the top floor of the Yurakucho Denki Building. Our Russian Serenade continues our long-running series of FCCJ Dinner-concerts. The past several weeks seem to have been sprinkled with unusually cold days and nights -- unusually cold at least for Tokyo. The Russian Serenade seems timely and fitting, therefore, to give us the sense of a people who really know how to live with the wintry months, embrace them, thrive in them.
Let me mention first the traditional Russian menu served in three well-spaced courses during the evening. Girding the inner man for the elements, Executive Chef Paul Dodd has programmed beetroot cured salmon with horseradish cream and petite salad as a starter. Following the opening music, you will then savour the main course of sautéed pork fillet with braised cabbage navet, pearl onions and parsley potatoes with caper and pickle sauce. And for dessert, just imagine the delight of Charlotte Russe with raspberries.
Our music is, I believe, equally representative of the great diversity of Russia, compellingly attractive for its variety of rusticity, elegance and tradition. For the first, opening the musical programme (following the starter course), I offer you the rustic character of Rimsky-Korsakov’s Sinfonietta on Russian Themes, which I believe may appeal especially to the men in the audience. The favourite among the ladies may well be Tchaikovsky’s elegant and very charming Suite No. 4, set in the sensuous sound of the strings, our main work. It has a subtitle which I will explain to you at the time; you will understand immediately Tchaikovsky's inspiration. And for our musical dessert, Mussorgsky’s music from Khovatchina is perhaps most deeply evocative of traditional Russia. The music has a special magic to melt the heart and beguile the mind.
By the way, you can subscribe to this series (quarterly), and thus be guaranteed of centre-table seating, a somewhat reduced price, and a highly distinctive and thoroughly enjoyable evening out with friends and, well, more friends.
RUSSIAN SERENADE
Friday 2010年2月19日(金)
Tickets: Group ￥8,445 each; Single ￥9,335; 4-concert subscriptions ￥33,000
Rimsky-Korsakov, Sinfonietta on Russian Themes, Op. 31
Tchaikovsky, Suite No. 4 in G Major, Op. 61 (Mozartiana)
Mussorgsky, Introduction, Intermezzo & Persian Dance from Khovantchina
3-course traditional Russian dinner
******************** RESERVE YOUR CONCERT TICKET ********************
Enjoy the Tokyo Sinfonia with a friend; even better, with a group of friends. Kindly email us at tickets@tokyosinfonia.com or phone us at (03) 3588 0738.
You can also order online at www.tokyosinfonia.com
*************** *************** *************** *************** *************** ***************
TOKYO SINFONIA IN MARCH 2010
The programme for our March champagne concert (3月5日) features the music of Schumann, the inspired pianist/composer/critic of the early romantic era. Schumann was driven by his genius -- driven even to the point of insanity. He was a staunch defender of the music of his great colleagues and passionately opposed to music created only to pander to the lowest public taste. The inner energy of his music has always thrilled me.
Schumann had orginally determined to dominate the concert stage as a virtuoso pianist. Permanently laming his hand in his excess, he was obliged to abandon the stage. All of his compositions were nonetheless created at the piano, even those which later acquired orchestra dress. The works which caught my attention were indeed originally conceived at piano, hence the entire evening's programme again consists of our very special arrangements for the 19 strings of the Tokyo Sinfonia.
The performance does indeed come soon on the heels of the coming Russian Serenade, but let me describe it to you the next time I write.
Immediately following the performance, you are always invited to mingle with the artists of the Tokyo Sinfonia and enjoy the sparkling champagne and Belgian chocolates which await in the lobby. Juice is provided too for students who have heard the Tokyo Sinfonia perform in their schools (our future audience) and have come to hear us again. Audience members may also encounter product samples of the world's most expensive toothpaste, thanks to the generosity of Apagard.
All that, and Schumann's romantic music too. Do join us.
SCHUMANN SERENADE
Friday 2010年3月5日(金)
Tickets: Group ￥5,500 each; Single ￥6,000; 4-concert subscriptions ￥20,000
Symphony for Strings in F Minor, Op. 14 (first performance)
Fantasy for Violin & Strings in C Major, Op. 131 - Mika Hasegawa, violin solo
Andante and Variations in B-flat Major, Op. 46
Champagne reception
To reserve tickets for any of our concert events kindly email us at tickets@tokyosinfonia.com or phone us at (03) 3588 0738, and you can order online at www.tokyosinfonia.com
See you at the Sinfonia!
Robert Ryker
and the Tokyo Sinfonia
Comments
FRENCH SERENADE (11/13)
Tuesday, Nov 3 2009 04:21 | Permalink
The Tokyo Sinfonia and I will will present not one but two of our patented hallmark Dinner-concerts during this month, November. This may sound like overkill. Believe me though that the two events are very different from each other, and intended for two different types of audience.
FRENCH SERENADE (11/13)
Friday evening from 6:30 pm
Our French Serenade at the Foreign Correspondents' Club of Japan is designed to be very appealing and, please note, quite affordable. Just two weeks remain before this perennially popular event, but there are still several tables remaining. I have to apologise that really didn't get the proper notices out to everybody in a timely manner. I was conducting the Philippine Philharmonic in Manila and simply became too busy. Please accept my apologies! Do call us; you can still get in. Ask us to send you the event chirashi.
The FCCJ Dinner-concerts have long been widely regarded as splendid events for business entertainment or employee recognitions -- distinctly different, friendly, and memorable. A large part of our audience too always consists of groups of four or so (we get lots of groups) who want to enjoy a friendly evening together with nice food, nice music, nice people, and a cash bar. Plan to spend a delightful evening with a French menu and French music, courtesy of FCCJ Executive chef Paul Dodd and the Tokyo Sinfonia. Here follows the evening's programme:
Mushroom soup velote, followed by
Pelleas and Melisande (Faure)
Breast of beef braisé with vegetables du saison, followed by
Omphale's Spinning Wheel • Introduction and Rondo Capriccioso (Saint-Saens) - Tomoko Joho, solo violin
Crème caramel with poached pear, followed by
Petite Suite (Debussy)
Coffee & tea
Enjoy the Tokyo Sinfonia with a friend; even better, with a group of friends. Kindly email us at tickets@tokyosinfonia.com, phone us at (03) 3588 0738, or order online at www.tokyosinfonia.com
TOKYO SINFONIA IN NOVEMBER
FRENCH SERENADE - 11/13 (Fri.)
FCCJ Dinner-concert, Foreign Correspondents' Club of Japan (Yurakucho)
3-course traditional French dinner, cash bar
Or by contrast ~
AUTUMN BOUNTY SERENADE (11/25)
Wednesday evening from 6:30 pm
Our Autumn Bounty Serenade at The Strings by InterContinental Hotel is designed to be very elegant and, please note, very exclusive. And naturally the price point is quite different; this is an event not everyone will be able to afford.
The Strings by InterContinental Hotel, Moet Chandon, and the Tokyo Sinfonia are colloborating to present The Strings/by/Strings Autumn Bounty Serenade as an exclusive, elegant, Black-tie Dinner-concert supporting Refugees International Japan. It will be like nothing you have ever experienced before. Ask us to send you the event chirashi.
Recapturing the refined atmosphere of formal dinners of noble houses in the Age of Elegance, the evening's programme combines the most distinctive and delightful features of Tokyo Sinfonia offerings in a highly intimate setting – delectable menu, delightful music, distinguished audience, engaging presentation, excellent service, exclusive setting, and the richly textured surround sound of the full 19 strings of the Tokyo Sinfonia. Here follows the evening's programme:
Moet Chandon champagne tasting in the Retreat, accompanied by
Principals of the Tokyo Sinfonia
Crab meat and broccoli cake with basil tomato sauce, wines by Moet Chandon, followed by
Autumn from The Four Seasons (Vivaldi) • Introduction and Allegro for Strings (Elgar) - Atsuko Mukaiyama, solo violin
Grilled Iberico pork with boulanger potato, lemon confit sauce, wines by Moet Chandon, followed by
Introduction and Rondo Capriccioso • Omphale's Spinning Wheel (Saint-Saens) - Tomoko Joho, solo violin
Cassis jelly with mixed fruits and cream anglaise with fresh berrie, wines by Moet Chandon, followed by
Septembre, Octobre, November from The Seasons (Tchaikovsky)
Coffee & tea
Enjoy The Strings Hotel, Moet Chandon, Tokyo Sinfonia and the special evening with someone special to you. Kindly book directly through The Strings by InterContinental Hotel by phone at (03) 5783 1258, or online at book-fb@intercontinental-strings.jp. Major credit cards are accepted. An Autumn Serenade/Overnight Stay special package including complementary parking also is available.
MORE TOKYO SINFONIA IN NOVEMBER
AUTUMN BOUNTY SERENADE - 11/25 (Wed.)
Black-tie Dinner-concert, The Strings by InterContinental Hotel (Konan)
Moet Chandon champagne tasting
3-course seasonal Autumn Bounty banquet
Supporting Refugees International Japan
Tickets: ￥24,000See you at the Sinfonia!
With every good wish from
Robert Ryker and the Tokyo Sinfonia
FUTURE EVENTS
TOKYO SINFONIA IN DECEMBER - 12/11 (Friday)
RACHMANINOV SERENADE Symphonies for Strings champagne concert, Oji Hall (Ginza)
TOKYO SINFONIA IN JANUARY - 1/27 (Friday)
MOZART BIRTHDAY SERENADE Sinfonia Plus champagne concert
TOKYO SINFONIA IN FEBRUARY - 2/19 (Friday)
RUSSIAN SERENADE FCCJ Dinner-concert, Foreign Correspondents' Club of Japan (Yurakucho)
Tickets/Information
(03) 3588 0738
SCHUBERT SERENADE (9/18)
Wednesday, Aug 12 2009 17:48 | Permalink
The Tokyo Sinfonia and I return to Oji Hall in Ginza for a Schubert Serenade, our next Symphonies for Strings champagne concert. As always, the concert programme will be followed by champagne and chocolate with the artists, one of the delightful hallmarks of the Tokyo Sinfonia's main concerts.
Schubert lived only 31 years, a brilliant flame in a brilliant period of music all too soon extinguished. A supreme melodist and an inspired master of the song, he produced over six hundred songs, as well as piano music, chamber music, church music, orchestra music, and works for the stage. Painfully shy in any public situation and a naif in business dealings, he was sustained by a circle of friends and admirers of his music. To this he is indebted to his father, a schoolmaster and musical amateur who enjoyed weekly sessions playing chamber music with family and friends. These gatherings grew in size and changed their location over time, eventually becoming focused around the young composer and known as Schubertiads. It is in his songs, piano and chamber music (and church music) that Schubert's creativity had the best platform to evolve and mature. This indeed is the source for the three works of our Schubert Serenade.
Schubert drew on the melody of a song written at age 20 as the theme for a set of variations in the Death and the Maiden quartet, one of the composer's most profound and persuasive compositions. The opening movement is a musical dramatization of the struggle with death. The slow movement casts Death as a friend, and ends in quiet resignation. Death is the demon fiddler of the playful scherzo. The work concludes with a dance of death, set in the inexorable rhythm of a tarantella.
Gustav Mahler’s personal score of Death and the Maiden bears annotations in Mahler’s own hand – Basso, Tutti, Solo, octave doublings, new dynamics, crescendos and diminuendos, rehearsal letters and the like – to flesh out the intimate chamber ensemble scoring for performance by the concerted forces of a full string orchestra, and thus to bring this great work of chamber music into the realm of the concert hall. Even in this great quartet though, Mahler’s markings were sporadic and unfinished. After performing it this way in Calcutta, I felt it imperative to revisit the conception Mahler had originated and refine it further. Performed and recorded several times, that is the edition we now present.
The Grande Marche Heroique in which opens our programme was the third of six grande marches heroique written for piano four-hands for the Schubertiads of 1824, when Schubert was 27. Franz Liszt scored it for full orchestra. I have scored it for the 19 strings of the Tokyo Sinfonia.
Schubert's great C-major quintet has been pronounced one of the towering monuments of chamber music. Like similar works for five string instruments however the work is all too seldom heard in public performance. That is precisely the rational behind our symphonies for strings series, artistically the Tokyo Sinfonia's most important concert offering.
Composed in the last year of his life, the string quintet was not performed until decades after Schubert's death. Still, its remarkable breadth of conception, boldness of construction and striking harmonic modulations then remained beyond the understanding of even the great violinist Joseph Joachim, who considered it “quite wonderful, full of genuine sentiment and so individual in sound” but, alas, “beyond all bounds and without any sense for beauty in the contrasts.” Lyricism and abundant variety in the arching melodies, dramatic thematic contrasts and powerful rhythmic drive pervade the 45-minute composition. The forms and structures, musical language and character of musical inspiration are of the same symphonic nature as in his works for larger instrumentation, for which it was intended to serve as a model. A symphony in all but instrumentation, the work lent itself beautifully to an adaption for string orchestra, where it fills an important niche in the repertoire. This will be its first performance.
All in all, our Schubert Serenade promises to be an refreshing evening out to relax and recharge the emotional batteries, and remind yourself that the world is indeed full of genuine beauty. Do join us. Enjoy it with a friend; even better, with a group of friends. For tickets by mail, payment may be made by bank transfer to Mitsui-Sumitomo Bank Akasaka Branch Ordinary Account 8549626 Tokyo Sinfonia (三井住友銀行赤坂支店 普通8549626). Kindly email us at tickets@tokyosinfonia.com, phone us at (03) 3588 0738, or order online at tokyosinfonia.com
TOKYO SINFONIA IN SEPTEMBER: Symphonies for Strings champagne concert, Oji Hall (Ginza)
SCHUBERT SERENADE - 9/18 (Friday)
Tickets: Group ￥5,500 each; Single ￥6,000; 4-concert subscriptions ￥20,000
Symphony for Strings in C Major (first performance)
Death and the Maiden
Grande Marche Heroique
Champagne reception
Platinum sponsor Minato-ku
Gold sponsor Apagard
See you at the Sinfonia!
With every good wish from
Robert Ryker and the Tokyo Sinfonia
COMING EVENTS
TOKYO SINFONIA IN NOVEMBER: FCCJ dinner-concert, Foreign Correspondents' Club of Japan (Yurakucho)
FRENCH SERENADE - 11/13
Table tickets: Group ￥8,445 each; Single ￥9,335; 4-concert subscriptions ￥33,000
Melodies from Broadway (Cole Porter)
Melodies from Show Business (Jerome Kern)
Melodies from America (Irving Berlin)
3-course traditional French dinner
TOKYO SINFONIA IN DECEMBER: Symphonies for Strings champagne concert, Oji Hall (Ginza)
RACHMANINOV SERENADE - 12/11 (Friday)
Tickets: Group ￥5,500 each; Single ￥6,000; 4-concert subscriptions ￥20,000
Symphony for Strings, from Op. 17 (first performance)
Cinqs Etudes-tableaux
Russian Rhapsody
Champagne reception
Platinum sponsor Minato-ku
Gold sponsor Apagard
TOKYO SINFONIA IN JANUARY: Sinfonia Plus champagne concert, Oji Hall (Ginza)
MOZART BIRTHDAY SERENADE - 1/27 (Friday)
Tickets: Group ￥5,500 each; Single ￥6,000; 4-concert subscriptions ￥25,000
Piano Concerto No. 26 in D Major - Sara Buechner, Piano
Piano Concerto No. 27 in B-flat Major - Sara Buechner, Piano
Piano Concerto No. 25 in C Major - Sara Buechner, Piano
Champagne reception
RECORDINGS
Beethoven Symphony for Strings in C Major, recorded in Oji Hall (2008/03/14) - ¥1,500
Brahms Symphony for Strings in G Major, recorded in Oji Hall (2008/09/19) - ¥1,500
Bruckner Symphony for Strings in F Major, recorded in Oji Hall (2009/03/13) - ¥1,500
Dvorak Symphony for Strings in E-flat Major, recorded in Oji Hall (2009/06/12) - ¥1,500
Mendelssohn Symphony for Strings in B-flat Major, recorded in Oji Hall (2008/012/12) - ¥1,500
Mozart Symphony for Strings in D Major, recorded in Oji Hall (2008/06/13) - ¥1,500
Tickets/Information
(03) 3588 0738
AMERICAN SERENADE (8/7)
Sunday, Jul 12 2009 21:03 | Permalink
Treat yourself to the unique experience of the Tokyo Sinfonia's highly popular FCCJ dinner-concert series at the Foreign Correspondents' Club of Japan (Yurakucho). Interspersed between courses of traditional American cuisine prepared in the excellent kitchen of the FCCJ, Robert Ryker conducts music from the great American songbook. Friday evening from 6:30 pm, August 7.
The American Serenade features melodies by three of the most popular composers of Broadway show music, performed between mouth-watering courses straight from the traditional American kitchen – Florida grapefruit & Maine shrimp, Texas steak & Idaho potatoes, and American apple pie & Wisconsin cheese. The favourite among the ladies may well be Cole Porter’s Melodies from Broadway, set in the sensuous sound of the strings. The ringing tones of Jerome Kern’s Melodies from Show Business may appeal more to the men. And Irving Berlin’s Melodies from America offer a musical inspiration to touch the mind and reach the heart. A cash bar complements the menu and the music.
With the gracious support of the US Embassy and the American Chamber of Commerce in Japan, the American Serenade is another of the Tokyo Sinfonia’s “hugely enjoyable” dinner-concerts presented quarterly at the Foreign Correspondent’ Club of Japan, located high atop the Yurakucho Denki building overlooking the Imperial Palace gardens. Combining aspects of both a gracious dinner and an entertaining concert, the series has drawn much praise for its imaginative programming, inviting presentation and friendly rapport with the audience.
Tokyo Sinfonia in August (8/7)
AMERICAN SERENADE - FCCJ dinner-concert
Foreign Correspondents' Club of Japan (Yurakucho)
Table tickets: Group ￥8,445 each; Single ￥9,335; 4-concert subscriptions ￥33,000
Melodies from Broadway (Jerome Kern)
Melodies from Show Business (Cole Porter)
Melodies from America (Irving Berlin)
3-course traditional American dinner
Our FCCJ dinner-concert Serenades are found nowhere else in the world, you know. No other orchestra has hit upon our user-friendly approach interspersing the cuisine with the concert, the menu with the music. The events are popular opportunities for business entertainment for customer relations or employee benefits too. They constantly produce enthusiastic feedback from those who have entertained guests, or who have been so entertained. All in all, the American Serenade promises to be an inspirational evening out to relax and recharge the emotional batteries and remind yourself that the world is indeed full of genuine beauty. Do join us. Enjoy it with a friend; even better, with a group of friends. Email us at tickets@tokyosinfonia.com, phone us at (03) 3588 0738, fax us at (03) 3588 0731, or order online at www.tokyosinfonia.com.
See you at the Sinfonia!
With every good wish from
Robert Ryker and the Tokyo Sinfonia
COMING EVENTS
Tokyo Sinfonia in September (9/18)
SCHUBERT SERENADE - Symphonies for Strings champagne concert
Oji Hall (Ginza)
Tickets: Group ￥5,500 each; Single ￥6,000; 4-concert subscriptions ￥20,000
Schubert Symphony for Strings in C Major, from Op. 163 (first performance)
Schubert Grande Marche HeroiqueSchubert Death and the Maiden, D810
Champagne reception
Tokyo Sinfonia in the fall
The Tokyo Sinfonia continues to present Sinfonia-in-the-Schools performances in a number of Tokyo's public schools. We are in the midst of negotiations too for concert tours in the Pacific. Two nations have taken up the projects with their governments to date. An opportunity may be provided for supporters to accompany the Sinfonia on the tour. We'll keep you posted.
Information/Tickets for all programmes:
(03) 3588 0738
Tokyo Sinfonia & Business (speech)
Monday, Jun 22 2009 21:50 | Permalink
Here is a reminder about the speech I will give for a Tuesday noon luncheon meeting at the ANA InterContinental Hotel in Akasaka, June 30. Sponsored by the British Chamber of Commerce in Japan, it is open to anyone (including non-members) interested in the topic. You are very welcome to attend.
In order to survive and thrive, an orchestra must deal successfully with the same fundamental challenges facing any business. As music director of the Tokyo Sinfonia, I am daily concerned with three principal aspects of our operations - my musicians, our music, and our audience. In business terms, these are the precise equivalent of your employees, your products/services, and your customers. So inspiring and developing my people, adapting our products to market tastes, and attracting and satisfying our customers so that they will come back for more are all business skills I focus on all of the time.
The British Chamber of Commerce kindly notes that this presentation will certainly give you food for thought on unusual and creative business approaches during a downturn. Do join us.
BUSINESS UNUSUAL - ORCHESTRATING YOUR CORPORATE SUCCESS
Event Type : Joint Chamber Luncheon (BCCJ, with ANZCCJ, CCCJ and DCCJ)
Presenter : Robert Ryker
Event Date : 2009-06-30 (Tuesday)
Start time : 12:00 noon
Duration : Until 14.00
Non-Member Cost : 6,500 yen
Venue : The ANA InterContinental Tokyo
Room : Glory Room (B1F)
BCCJ website : http://www.bccjapan.com/asp/eventdetail.asp?eventid=1717
Just click on to the website to register. Ian deStains of the BCCJ can assist you if you need help. (03) 3267 1901.
With every good wish from
Robert Ryker
for the Tokyo Sinfonia
DVORAK SERENADE (6/12)
Monday, Jun 1 2009 20:22 | Permalink
The next event of the Tokyo Sinfonia's "Symphonies for Strings" champagne concerts is our Dvorak Serenade in Oji Hall (Ginza) Friday evening, June 12. As always, the concert programme will be followed by champagne with the artists, one of the delightful hallmarks of the Tokyo Sinfonia main concerts.
Dvorak was long active as an orchestra musician, playing the viola during his formative years before turning to composing and conducting. Grace of his easy familiarity with the inner workings of the orchestra, Dvorak's instrumental compositions are congenial to play and gratifying to listen to. The year 1891 was a magical year for the 50-year-old Czech composer. He was feted by the Czech government, awarded an honourary doctorate from Cambridge University, and appointed professor of composition at the Prague Conservatory. He also received an invitation to serve as director of the National Conservatory of Music in New York. The following year he sailed for America. He never abandoned his Czech roots, but he was nevertheless invigorated by the buoyant spirit he found in the new nation. Thus inspired, he composed in succession three of his greatest works -- the Symphony from the New World, the American Quartet, and the American Quintet.
Splendid though it is, the American Quintet (like similar works for five string instruments) is rarely heard in public performance. That is precisely the rational behind our "symphonies for strings" series, artistically the Tokyo Sinfonia's most important concert offering. Dvorak's quintet is marked by an abundant variety of melodies conceived in the spirit he heard during his sojourn in America; by dramatic contrasts, superb craftsmanship, and an infectious rhythmic vitality. A symphony in all but instrumentation, this magnificent work lent itself beautifully to a superb arrangement for string orchestra. This will be its first performance.
All in all, our Dvorak Serenade promises to be an refreshing evening out to relax and recharge the emotional batteries, and remind yourself that the world is indeed full of genuine beauty. Do join us. Enjoy it with a friend; even better, with a group of friends. For tickets by mail, payment may be made by bank transfer to Mitsui-Sumitomo Bank Akasaka Branch Ordinary Account 8549626 Tokyo Sinfonia (三井住友銀行赤坂支店 普通8549626). Kindly email us at tickets@tokyosinfonia.com, phone us at (03) 3588 0738, or order online at tokyosinfonia.com
TOKYO SINFONIA IN JUNE: "Symphonies for Strings" champagne concert, Oji Hall (Ginza)
DVORAK SERENADE - 6/12 (Friday)
Tickets: Group ￥5,500 each; Single ￥6,000; 4-concert subscriptions ￥20,000
Symphony for Strings in E-flat Major, from Op. 97 (first performance)
Serenade for Strings in E Major, Op. 22
Nocturne for Strings
Champagne reception
Platinum sponsor Minato-ku
See you at the Sinfonia!
With every good wish from
Robert Ryker and the Tokyo Sinfonia
Coming events
TOKYO SINFONIA IN JULY: Conductors' Seminar public concert, Akasaka Church
CONDUCTORS SEMINAR - 7/10
Tickets: ¥2,000 each
Repertoire: Air on the G String (Bach), Symphony for Strings (Brahms),
Serenade for Strings (Dvorak),Concerto for Violin & Strings (Mendelssohn)
Death and the Maiden (Schubert), Tahiti-Trot (Shostakovich)
Champagne reception
Gold sponsor JMEC
TOKYO SINFONIA IN AUGUST: FCCJ dinner-concert, Foreign Correspondents' Club of Japan (Yurakucho)
AMERICAN SERENADE - 8/7
Table tickets: Group ￥8,445 each; Single ￥9,335; 4-concert subscriptions ￥33,000
Melodies from Broadway (Cole Porter)
Melodies from Show Business (Jerome Kern)
Melodies from America (Irving Berlin)
3-course traditional American dinner
TOKYO SINFONIA IN SEPTEMBER: "Symphonies for Strings" champagne concert, Oji Hall (Ginza)
SCHUBERT SERENADE - 9/18 (Friday)
Tickets: Group ￥5,500 each; Single ￥6,000; 4-concert subscriptions ￥20,000
Symphony for Strings in C Major, from D. 163 (first performance)
Death and the Maiden
Grand Marche Heroique
Champagne reception
Platinum sponsor Minato-ku
Information/Tickets for all programmes:
tickets@tokyosinfonia.com
(03) 3588 0738
www.tokyosinfonia.com
[UPDATED May 14] May Concert - Austrian Serenade
Monday, Mar 23 2009 06:13 | Permalink
Austrian Serenade, at Foreign Correspondents Club
5/22 (Fri), 06:30pm (doors open 6:00pm)
Tickets:
www.tokyosinfonia.com
Tel. (03) 3588 0738
info@tokyosinfonia.com
5/22 (Fri), 06:30pm (doors open 6:00pm)
Tickets:
www.tokyosinfonia.com
Tel. (03) 3588 0738
info@tokyosinfonia.com
AUSTRIAN SERENADE (5/22)
May 22, Friday, 10 days from now, we rejoice in the renewal of spring with the beautiful music of Vienna. The Tokyo Sinfonia and I offer you Schubert's charming Symphony No. 5, Mozart's buoyant Violin Concerto No. 5, and Haydn's robust Symphony No. 5. It is quite possibly our loveliest programme of the year. It will be made all the more delicious with the appetising fare of the traditional Austrian kitchen -- Wienerschnitzel, of course, together with Green Garden Salad and Black Forest Cake, various wines from the cash bar, all provided with the FCCJ staff's usual courteous service.
Haydn, Mozart and Schubert lived during a special time of the Enlightenment in Europe. Peace and prosperity prevailed, and the arts flourished. The was a constant round of entertainments in Vienna which drew the best of talent like a magnet, and then shared their creativity with all the capitals of the world. This is the music that still attracts the broadest audience today.
This programme is a part of our observation of the Austrian-Japan Year of Friendship, which by the way coincides with the 200th year of the birth of Haydn. Ads Papa Haydn may be said to have started it all in music, so we will end our programme with the symphony Haydn composed just prior to his engagement to provide a lifetime of music for Count Esterhazy, and for the world.
You need no prompting from me, I am sure, to note that the recurring number five alludes to May, the fifth month of the year. This is the time when proverbially a young man's heart turns to thoughts of love and romance. I suggest therefore that you invite a person with whom you would like to share a gracious evening to join you for the romantic music, fine food and cosmopolitan atmosphere.
We do have space at the tables, more than usual, so you can be assured of a good seat, and good food, and good music.
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
Our Austrian Serenade FCCJ dinner-concert is a great opportunity for business entertainment, by the way, either for employee benefits or customer relations. All in all, it promises to be an inspirational evening out to relax and recharge the emotional batteries and remind yourself that the world is indeed full of genuine beauty. Enjoy it with a friend; even better, with a group of friends. Email us at tickets@tokyosinfonia.com, phone us at (03) 3588 0738, fax us at (03) 3588 0731, or order online at tokyosinfonia.com.
With best wishes from
Robert Ryker and the Tokyo Sinfonia
Coming Tokyo Sinfonia events
06/12 (Fri.) Dvorak Serenade Symphonies for Strings champagne concert, Oji Hall (Ginza)
07/10 (Fri.) Conductor's Seminar fnal public performance, Akasaka Kyokai
08/07 (Fri.) American Serernade FCCJ dinner-concert, Foreign Correspondents' Club of Japan (Yurakucho)
The concert programme will be interspersed between the courses of traditional Austrian cuisine prepared in the excellent kitchen of the FCCJ. As always, a cash bar complements the menu and the music.
The sight and smell of the world in full bloom brings out a special lightness of spirit in May. That lightness of spirit seems charmingly captured in the fifth symphony of Haydn, the fifth violin concerto of Mozart, and the fifth symphony of Schubert. Perhaps that's a bit corny but, well, that's the way I feel. You'll love it. It's an Austria-Japan friendship year, by the way. If you don't plan to fly there this season, do join us here! We're the next best thing.
APRIL ADVENTURE
We owe a great vote of thanks to the Ambassadors of six Oceanian Island nations -- Papua New Guinea, Palau, Fiji, Marshall Islands, Micronesia and Kiribati -- for coming to the rescue of our April 17 concert! Special thanks go to His Excellency Amb. Michael Maue, Dean of the Corps of Ambassadors, who introduced the six from the Oji Hall stage prior to taking their seats among the audience, and to His Excellency Amb. Jiba Kabua, who first introduced us into their circle.
We had been unable to put necessary sponsorship supports under the programme planned for that date, and very regretfully concluded that we had to cancel it. And we did. Ambassadors who know the Tokyo Sinfonia then proposed that I arrange the national anthems of the six Oceanian Island nations and perform them for the first time in a special programme for an invited audience on the date we had relinquished. That decision was taken the second week of April, only nine days before the concert. Then we had to scramble.
Each of the six Embassies received a number of tickets for their VIPs. Due to the shortage of leadtime we announced that others interested in the concert could purchase tickets at half-price. On the musical side, we had to reorganise the players, many of whom has already rearranged their schedules, and to completely redesign the musical programme. I also had to create special orchestra arrangements for the six national anthems.
Actually, I wound up writing each new arrangement twice, as for each work I sought ways to variously enhance the harmony, rhythm, meter or musical decoration in hopes to make the arrangement sound more attractive. We presented the first versions at the opening of the programme and the revised versions at its conclusion, embracing a Sinfonia sampler of works by the six most frequently performed composers. His Excellency Amb. John Fritz wrote us afterward:
"Music is an important tool of diplomacy. I am honored to have my national anthem played in a very different way of music -- so beautiful and awesome."
We were very, very impressed at the power of the Embassies to draw a large and enthusiastic audience. We usually attract a large audience to our Oji Hall concerts, but this is the first time for us to experience an overflow. I understand that about 40 people came for whom there were not enough seats left in the hall. Many elected to listen to the performance on the television monitor in the lobby. At least they were able to be first in line for post-concert champagne in the lobby with the Ambassadors, the Orchestra, and the capacity audience. And we promise them special invitations to our next Oji Hall concert in June.
NEWS NUGGETS
Minato-ku has renewed our Operations Grant in support of the Tokyo Sinfonia's Symphonies for Strings series in Oji Hall at the Platinum Sponsor level. This is greatly encouraging to us, doubly so in the current economy.
Yasuko Idee has agreed to became a member of the Friends of the Tokyo Sinfonia with a donation of ¥50,000. Yasuko is a great lover of music and a splendid supporter of the Tokyo Sinfonia. Many thanks, Yasuko!
Let it be known too that we are looking for someone who sees the special features of the Tokyo Sinfonia to join our sales team and help generate more performances in Tokyo and nearby cities. There is so much we can do, and we have just scratched the surface.
See you at the Sinfonia!
With every good wish from
Robert Ryker and the Tokyo Sinfonia
COMING EVENTS
Tokyo Sinfonia in June (6/13): "Symphonies for Strings" champagne concert
DVORAK SERENADE
Symphony for Strings in E-flat Major, from Op. 87 (first performance)
Serenade for Strings in E Major, Op. 22
Nocturne
Champagne reception
Oji Hall (Ginza)
Tickets: 2 or more ￥5,500 each; Single ￥6,000; 4-concert subscriptions ￥20,000
Project grant Minato-ku, Gold sponsor JMEC, Supported by the Czech Embassy
Information/Tickets for all programmes:
tickets@tokyosinfonia.com
(03) 3588 0738
www.tokyosinfonia.com
Clarinet Concert Cancelled, next concert in May
Monday, Mar 16 2009 22:47 | Permalink
Bruckner Serenade
Monday, Mar 2 2009 05:13 | Permalink
"Anton Bruckner arrives in Heaven". Bruckner is greeted by (from left to right): Liszt, Wagner, Schubert, Schumann, Weber, Mozart, Beethoven, Gluck, Haydn, Handel, Bach. (Silhouette drawing by Otto Böhler)
BRUCKNER SERENADE (3/13), 19.00, Oji Hall (Ginza)
Tickets
The next event of the Tokyo Sinfonia's "Symphonies for Strings" champagne concerts is our Bruckner Serenade in Oji Hall (Ginza) Friday evening, March 13. The concert programme will be followed by champagne with the artists, one of the hallmarks of Tokyo Sinfonia main concerts.
The programme features music by the Austrian giant, Anton Bruckner. What is it about Anton Bruckner (1824-96) that gives his music its deep spirituality, awesome dimensions and undeniable grandeur? He was after all a product of rural Austria, and a naïve, unsophisticatsed man lacking in social skills. Insecure in his musical formation, he continued the formal study of counterpoint and the compositions of other composers until his fortieth year. Only than did he feel ready at last to begin work on the first versions of a string of continually revised and re-revised symphonies and masses. But he was a magnificently great organist and a simple, pious soul whose humble conception of his musical creativity was rooted in his inspiration from and dedication to God.
Buckner's only acknowledged piece of chamber music is a 1879 String Quintet, a monumental masterwork neglected and all but forgotten in the chamber music repertoire. It will be performed in the Tokyo Sinfonia's special arrangement for full string orchestra as Symphony for Strings in F Major. This will be its first performance. Other works on the programme are the Overture in G Minor and 4 Orchestra Pieces, early works written as preparation for the string of great symphonies Bruckner was then, at age 40, about to commence.
The "Symphonies for Strings" series, now in its second year, presents masterworks rescued from obscurity in the chamber music repertoire and brought to vibrant life on the concert stage. The gorgeous sound of the 19 strings of the Tokyo Sinfonia is featured in the brilliant arrangements which are a distinctive feature of the orchestra's programming.
TOKYO SINFONIA IN MARCH: "Symphonies for Strings" champagne concert, Oji Hall (Ginza)
BRUCKNER SERENADE - 3/13
Tickets: 2 or more ￥5,500 each; Single ￥6,000; 4-concert subscriptions ￥20,000
Symphony for Strings in F Major (first performance)
Four Orchestral Pieces
Overture in G Minor
Champagne reception
Project grant Minato-ku, Operations grant Rohm Music Foundation
An Austria-Japan Friendship Year 2009 event
We do recommend subscriptions to you for any four consecutive dates starting anytime in the FCCJ Dinner-concert series. In additional to a slightly reduced ticket price, our subscribers are guaranteed reserved seating at the centre section, personal recognitions, and reception and other benefits. Should you need extra tickets for occasional guests, your subscriber's discount will always be applied and your guests will be accorded the same VIP treatment.
All in all, our Bruckner Serenade promises to be an inspirational evening out to relax and recharge the emotional batteries ,and remind yourself that the world is indeed full of genuine beauty. Enjoy it with a friend; even better, with a group of friends. For tickets by mail, payment may be made by bank transfer to Mitsui-Sumitomo Bank Akasaka Branch Ordinary Account 8549626 Tokyo Sinfonia (三井住友銀行赤坂支店 普通8549626). Kindly email us at tickets@tokyosinfonia.com, phone us at (03) 3588 0738, or order online at tokyosinfonia.com Do join us.
See you at the Sinfonia!
With every good wish from
Robert Ryker and the Tokyo Sinfonia
Coming events
TOKYO SINFONIA IN APRIL: "Sinfonia Plus" champagne concert, Oji Hall (Ginza)
CLARINET SERENADE - 4/17
Tickets: 2 or more ￥5,500 each; Single ￥6,000; 4-concert subscription ￥25,000
Concerto in B Minor for Clarinet & Strings, from Op. 115 (Brahms) - Kalman Berkes, Clarinet solo
Concerto in E-flat Major for Clarinet & Strings, Op. 34 (Weber) - Kalman Berkes, Clarinet solo
Variations on a Hungarian Folksong (Kodaly)
Champagne reception
Gold sponsor JMEC
A Hungary-Japan Friendship Year 2009 event
TOKYO SINFONIA IN MAY: FCCJ dinner-concert, Foreign Correspondents' Club of Japan (Yurakucho)
AUSTRIAN SERENADE - 5/22
Table tickets: 2 or more ￥8,445 each; Single ￥9,335; 4-concert subscriptions ￥33,000
Symphony No. 5 (Schubert)
Violin Concerto No. 5 (Mozart) - Keiko Kawamata, Violin solo
Symphony No. 5 (Haydn)
3-course traditional Austrian dinner
An Austria-Japan Friendship Year 2009 event
TOKYO SINFONIA IN JUNE: "Symphonies for Strings" champagne concert, Oji Hall (Ginza)
DVORAK SERENADE - 6/13
Tickets: 2 or more ￥5,500 each; Single ￥6,000; 4-concert subscriptions ￥20,000
Symphony for Strings in E-flat Major, from the Quintet (first performance)
Serenade for Strings in E Major, Op. 22
Nocturne
Champagne reception
Information/Tickets for all programmes:
tickets@tokyosinfonia.com
(03) 3588 0738
www.tokyosinfonia.com
ENGLISH SERENADE FCCJ DINNER-CONCERT
Friday, Feb 6 2009 05:57 | Permalink
Our FCCJ dinner-concert series, served with a delicious three-course dinner, is as old (and popular) as the Tokyo Sinfonia itself. The FCCJ Dinner-concert series is unique in the world -- nowhere else on the face of the globe will you find the alternation of music & menu presentation which we have created exclusively for the FCCJ. And we are delighted to tell you that the Foreign Correspondents' Club of Japan and the Tokyo Sinfonia have collaborated to ensure that this popular series thrives in its fourth continuous year and beyond.
The English Serenade was one of the first programmes we presented years ago in this series. It was so well-received that we are repeating the English Serenade again, with the same menu and a slight variation in the musical programme.
Sir Edward Elgar's music is quintessentially English; I love it. Perhaps even more than his symphonies, suites and other compositions, Elgar's Enigma Variations have a special quality that lifts this work into its own realm of musical magic. After playing a beguiling, rather Edwardian theme on the piano for his wife, Alice, he then proceeded to vary the theme to portray the personal characteristics of several of their friends. "I think you've got something there," she is supposed to have said, "why don't you ..." (or words to that effect); and thus the Enigma Variations was born. Elgar only alluded to the people he characterised musically, but I have given you their names in the programme. They are now long gone, but their individual personalities remain forever enshrined in this wonderful music, and you will recognise them clearly.
TOKYO SINFONIA IN FEBRUARY: FCCJ Dinner-concert series, Foreign Correspondents' Club of Japan (Yurakucho)
AUSTRIAN SERENADE - 2/27
Table tickets: 2 or more ￥8,445 each; Single ￥9,335; 4-concert subscriptions ￥33,000
Simple Symphony for Strings (Britten)
Enigma Variations (Elgar)
Mascarade Dances (Sullivan)
3-course traditional English dinner
Sustaining supporter Shinsei Bank
The FCCJ Dinner-concert series has proved particularly popular with corporate groups as a cost-effective, attractive and distinctive entertainment for client relations and employee benefits. Companies small and large have booked blocks of from 10 to 68 tickets for various of our past programmes. One corporate group (to date) purchased 200 tickets spread over the four events of the fiscal year, and the constant feedback we hear from their attendees has been truly enthusiastic. At this time too, this series has attracted the largest number of subscribers of our any of our series of regular public concerts.
We do recommend subscriptions to you for any four consecutive dates starting anytime in the FCCJ Dinner-concert series. The unit ticket price is slightly reduced, and that is only one of the benefits. Our subscribers are also guaranteed preferred seating at the centre tables, personal recognition, and reception and other benefits. Should you need extra tickets for occasional guests, your subscriber's discount will always be applied, and your guests will be accorded the same VIP treatment.
All in all, our English Serenade promises to be an enjoyable evening out to relax and recharge the emotional batteries ,and remind yourself that the world is indeed full of genuine beauty. Enjoy it with a friend; even better, with a group of friends.
Table tickets: 2 or more, ¥8,445; single, ¥9,335 yen; 4-concert subscriptions (which we encourage) ¥33,000.
Payment may be made by bank transfer to Mitsui-Sumitomo Bank Akasaka Branch Ordinary Account 8549626 Tokyo Sinfonia (三井住友銀行赤坂支店 普通8549626).
Note that subscribers, supporters and sponsors receive preferred seating at the centre tables. We can accept additional reservations until 2/26.
Kindly email us at tickets@tokyosinfonia.com, phone us at (03) 3588 0738, or order by internet at tokyosinfonia.com.
See you at the Sinfonia!
With every good wish from
Robert Ryker and the Tokyo Sinfonia
Coming series events
TOKYO SINFONIA IN MARCH: Symphonies for Strings champagne concert series, Oji Hall (Ginza)
BRUCKNER SERENADE - 3/13
Tickets: 2 or more ￥5,500 each; Single ￥6,000; 4-concert subscriptions ￥20,000
Symphony for Strings in F Major, from the Quintet (first performance)
Four Orchestral Pieces
Overture in G Minor
Champagne reception
Project grant Minato-ku, Operations grant Rohm Music Foundation
An Austria-Japan Friendship Year 2009 event
TOKYO SINFONIA IN APRIL: Sinfonia Plus champagne concert series, Oji Hall (Ginza)
CLARINET SERENADE - 4/17
Tickets: 2 or more ￥5,500 each; Single ￥6,000; 4-concert subscription ￥25,000
Concerto in B Minor for Clarinet & Strings, from Op. 115 (Brahms) - Kalman Berkes, Clarinet solo
Concerto in E-flat Major for Clarinet & Strings, Op. 34 (Weber) - Kalman Berkes, Clarinet solo
Variations on a Hungarian Folksong (Kodaly)
Champagne reception
Gold sponsor JMEC
A Hungary-Japan Friendship Year 2009 event
TOKYO SINFONIA IN MAY: FCCJ Dinner-concert series, Foreign Correspondents' Club of Japan (Yurakucho)
AUSTRIAN SERENADE - 5/22
Table tickets: 2 or more ￥8,445 each; Single ￥9,335; 4-concert subscriptions ￥33,000
Symphony No. 5 (Haydn)
Violin Concerto No. 5 (Mozart) - Keiko Kawamata, Violin solo
Symphony No. 5 (Schubert)
3-course traditional Austrian dinner
An Austria-Japan Friendship Year 2009 event
Information/Tickets for all programmes:
tickets@tokyosinfonia.com
(03) 3588 0738
www.tokyosinfonia.com
The English Serenade was one of the first programmes we presented years ago in this series. It was so well-received that we are repeating the English Serenade again, with the same menu and a slight variation in the musical programme.
Sir Edward Elgar's music is quintessentially English; I love it. Perhaps even more than his symphonies, suites and other compositions, Elgar's Enigma Variations have a special quality that lifts this work into its own realm of musical magic. After playing a beguiling, rather Edwardian theme on the piano for his wife, Alice, he then proceeded to vary the theme to portray the personal characteristics of several of their friends. "I think you've got something there," she is supposed to have said, "why don't you ..." (or words to that effect); and thus the Enigma Variations was born. Elgar only alluded to the people he characterised musically, but I have given you their names in the programme. They are now long gone, but their individual personalities remain forever enshrined in this wonderful music, and you will recognise them clearly.
TOKYO SINFONIA IN FEBRUARY: FCCJ Dinner-concert series, Foreign Correspondents' Club of Japan (Yurakucho)
AUSTRIAN SERENADE - 2/27
Table tickets: 2 or more ￥8,445 each; Single ￥9,335; 4-concert subscriptions ￥33,000
Simple Symphony for Strings (Britten)
Enigma Variations (Elgar)
Mascarade Dances (Sullivan)
3-course traditional English dinner
Sustaining supporter Shinsei Bank
The FCCJ Dinner-concert series has proved particularly popular with corporate groups as a cost-effective, attractive and distinctive entertainment for client relations and employee benefits. Companies small and large have booked blocks of from 10 to 68 tickets for various of our past programmes. One corporate group (to date) purchased 200 tickets spread over the four events of the fiscal year, and the constant feedback we hear from their attendees has been truly enthusiastic. At this time too, this series has attracted the largest number of subscribers of our any of our series of regular public concerts.
We do recommend subscriptions to you for any four consecutive dates starting anytime in the FCCJ Dinner-concert series. The unit ticket price is slightly reduced, and that is only one of the benefits. Our subscribers are also guaranteed preferred seating at the centre tables, personal recognition, and reception and other benefits. Should you need extra tickets for occasional guests, your subscriber's discount will always be applied, and your guests will be accorded the same VIP treatment.
All in all, our English Serenade promises to be an enjoyable evening out to relax and recharge the emotional batteries ,and remind yourself that the world is indeed full of genuine beauty. Enjoy it with a friend; even better, with a group of friends.
Table tickets: 2 or more, ¥8,445; single, ¥9,335 yen; 4-concert subscriptions (which we encourage) ¥33,000.
Payment may be made by bank transfer to Mitsui-Sumitomo Bank Akasaka Branch Ordinary Account 8549626 Tokyo Sinfonia (三井住友銀行赤坂支店 普通8549626).
Note that subscribers, supporters and sponsors receive preferred seating at the centre tables. We can accept additional reservations until 2/26.
Kindly email us at tickets@tokyosinfonia.com, phone us at (03) 3588 0738, or order by internet at tokyosinfonia.com.
See you at the Sinfonia!
With every good wish from
Robert Ryker and the Tokyo Sinfonia
Coming series events
TOKYO SINFONIA IN MARCH: Symphonies for Strings champagne concert series, Oji Hall (Ginza)
BRUCKNER SERENADE - 3/13
Tickets: 2 or more ￥5,500 each; Single ￥6,000; 4-concert subscriptions ￥20,000
Symphony for Strings in F Major, from the Quintet (first performance)
Four Orchestral Pieces
Overture in G Minor
Champagne reception
Project grant Minato-ku, Operations grant Rohm Music Foundation
An Austria-Japan Friendship Year 2009 event
TOKYO SINFONIA IN APRIL: Sinfonia Plus champagne concert series, Oji Hall (Ginza)
CLARINET SERENADE - 4/17
Tickets: 2 or more ￥5,500 each; Single ￥6,000; 4-concert subscription ￥25,000
Concerto in B Minor for Clarinet & Strings, from Op. 115 (Brahms) - Kalman Berkes, Clarinet solo
Concerto in E-flat Major for Clarinet & Strings, Op. 34 (Weber) - Kalman Berkes, Clarinet solo
Variations on a Hungarian Folksong (Kodaly)
Champagne reception
Gold sponsor JMEC
A Hungary-Japan Friendship Year 2009 event
TOKYO SINFONIA IN MAY: FCCJ Dinner-concert series, Foreign Correspondents' Club of Japan (Yurakucho)
AUSTRIAN SERENADE - 5/22
Table tickets: 2 or more ￥8,445 each; Single ￥9,335; 4-concert subscriptions ￥33,000
Symphony No. 5 (Haydn)
Violin Concerto No. 5 (Mozart) - Keiko Kawamata, Violin solo
Symphony No. 5 (Schubert)
3-course traditional Austrian dinner
An Austria-Japan Friendship Year 2009 event
Information/Tickets for all programmes:
tickets@tokyosinfonia.com
(03) 3588 0738
www.tokyosinfonia.com