#Japan #Tokyo #Jazz #Bluecoats #Movie Music

A Legendary Return: The Bluecoats Orchestra

Celebrating an impressive legacy of 79 years, The Bluecoats Orchestra is making a joyful comeback to the Nikkei Muse Salon. This upcoming concert, scheduled for July 31, 2025, promises to take the audience on a nostalgic journey through the sounds of classic movie music and engaging jazz. Held at the prestigious Nikkei Hall located in Chiyoda Ward, Tokyo, the event is set to be a memorable evening for all music enthusiasts.

About the Concert

The 560th edition of the Nikkei Muse Salon will showcase the captivating performances of The Bluecoats Orchestra, renowned for their rich history and contributions to the world of jazz and orchestral music. Tickets for this unforgettable concert can be purchased through Confetti, managed by Long Run Planning, Inc. in Tokyo.

A Legacy of Excellence

The Bluecoats Orchestra, renowned as one of Japan's oldest and most storied big bands, was founded in 1946 and has become a beacon of musical tradition. In fact, they are regarded as the longest-running big band in Japan, fostering talents such as Toshirō Mayuzumi and Toshiko Akiyoshi. The orchestra has gracefully transitioned through generations, with the third leader, Toshio Mori, taking the helm in 1970, followed by the recent appointment of Toshinobu Iwasaki as the fourth leader in 2023.

The orchestra draws inspiration from the legendary spirits of Count Basie and Duke Ellington, continuously pursuing their musical ethos while delighting audiences far and wide. Their international acclaim was solidified in 1995 when they were invited to the Glenn Miller Festival, where they received rave reviews from American audiences.

Notable Achievements

The Bluecoats Orchestra's historical significance is documented in the book, Men with Passion for Jazz: 70 Years of Bluecoats, released in 2004, which earned the Nanri Fumio Award. As the ensemble celebrated its 65th anniversary in 2010 with a grand performance at Hibiya Public Hall, they also released a commemorative album to honor their long-standing history. Their contribution to the cultural landscape was acknowledged when Toshio Mori was awarded by the Japan Agency for Cultural Affairs in 2019.

The Program

The concert will feature a delightful array of pieces, including:

• - Henry Mancini - Love Theme from Sunflower
• - Oscar Hammerstein II & Richard Rodgers - Shall We Dance? from Shall We Dance?
• - Charles Chaplin - Terry’s Theme from Limelight
• - Glenn Miller - Reflections from The Glenn Miller Story (Moonlight Serenade, Pearls Before Swine, I Know Why etc.)
• - Louis Prima - Sing Sing Sing from The Benny Goodman Story

Concert Details

• - Event: The Bluecoats Orchestra - Movie Music and Jazz
• - Date: July 31, 2025 (Thursday)
• - Venue: Nikkei Hall, 1-3-7 Otemachi, Chiyoda, Tokyo
• - Performers: The Bluecoats Orchestra
• - Schedule: Doors open at 6:00 PM, concert begins at 6:30 PM
• - Duration: Approximately 2 hours
• - Ticket Price: General admission is set at ¥4,000 (all seats reserved, tax included).

Note: Admission is restricted to children who are not yet of school age.

Sponsors and Ticket Information

This remarkable event is jointly hosted by the Nihon Keizai Shimbun and supported by FANCL. Interested attendees can find ticketing information and access the purchase page on the Confetti website. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to experience the resplendent sounds of The Bluecoats Orchestra as they celebrate their legacy with captivating music that transcends time and genre.

For more details and ticket purchase, visit Confetti.