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An Immersive Musical Experience with Kazuki Yamada and the Japanese Philharmonic

Excitement is in the air as the Japanese Philharmonic Orchestra is set to stage its 776th Tokyo Regular Concert on November 28 and 29, 2025, featuring the renowned conductor Kazuki Yamada. Following his recent success debuting with the Berlin Philharmonic, Yamada is making his much-anticipated return to his 'home orchestra', the Japanese Philharmonic, with a program that promises to blend vibrant French compositions and poignant Japanese works.

Yamada’s tenure as the principal conductor has significantly shaped the orchestra into a unique entity, which he affectionately describes as 'my orchestra'. His commitment to returning to the Philharmonic at least once a year is a testament to his enduring relationship with the ensemble. The upcoming concert will highlight selections that mirror the repertoire performed with the Berlin Philharmonic, marking a joyful return to a Japanese and French program. The concert kicks off with Debussy's brilliantly colorful ballet score, Jeux, which is notable for being both Debussy's last ballet and orchestral work. Following this, the concert will showcase Takemitsu's My Way of Life – In Memory of Michael Winer, a piece drenched in a sense of happiness and warmth, infused with the poet Ryūichi Tamura's English-translated verses.

As the concert unfolds, attendees can expect to hear the universally recognized Boléro by Ravel, leading into the emotionally stirring Stabat Mater by Poulenc, known for its haunting harmonies and complex textures. This unique program intricately weaves together the threads of French and Japanese musical traditions, resulting in a performance steeped in both beauty and depth.

The Creative Vision of Kazuki Yamada
In a recent interview, Yamada reflected on his experiences and the formative influences that have shaped his unique conducting style. His profound attachment to the Japanese Philharmonic stems from his early days as an audience member, moved by their performances. "I still remember the magic of that first concert I attended, which sparked my passion for music," he notes. His description of the orchestra’s sound emphasizes a unique unity and depth that he believes distinctly characterizes the Japanese Philharmonic spirit.

This concert also serves as a vehicle for Yamada’s artistic vision, one that seeks to transcend mere notes on a page. Yamada strives to incite emotional responses from his audience, wishing to create a sensorial experience – one that resonates on multiple levels and evokes the beauty and complexity of life’s essence.

Interestingly, the concert’s programming features late works from each of the composers, presenting a fascinating juxtaposition between the natural beauty found in Takemitsu's music and the sharp contrasts of Poulenc’s scoring, combining humor and irony with profound musical expression.

"One might find this program to seem disjointed at first glance, but I believe that experiencing it as a whole may prompt introspection and reflection on life’s deeper questions," Yamada explains.

As November approaches, anticipation builds for an extraordinary musical journey that promises not only to showcase exceptional artistry but also to delve into the essence of existence. As one prepares to witness such a remarkable gathering of talent, one can’t help but reflect on Yamada's poignant musings about life: 'I think I live to ponder these questions. Ultimately, I wonder why we are here on this earth.'

Concert Details:
Mark your calendars for November 28 at 19:00 and November 29 at 14:00 at the Suntory Hall. Both performances will feature pre-concert talks by Maestro Yamada, providing audiences a deeper insight into the concert’s artistic vision and context.
Tickets range from ¥2,500 for seats designated for those aged 25 and under, to ¥10,000 for premium seating. Prepare to be moved by the convergence of culture and artistry through the lens of the Japanese Philharmonic this fall.

For more detailed concert information and ticket purchasing, visit Japanese Philharmonic's official website.