#Japan #Tokyo #Prince Opera #Tosca #Gala Concert

A New Star in the Heart of Kita Ward: The Launch of Prince Opera

A fresh breeze blows through the North Tokyo arts scene with the establishment of the new opera collective, Prince Opera. This local organization is dedicated to bringing high-caliber opera performances to the region with community involvement at its core. To celebrate its debut, they are set to hold the Inaugural Gala Concert on September 21, 2025, at Tsutsuji Hall in Kitaku, featuring highlights from Puccini's beloved opera, Tosca.

A Vision Rooted in Community

Founded by Hirokazu Myojin, a baritone who grew up in Kita Ward, Prince Opera aims to reinvigorate the region's musical culture through performances and collaborative community projects. Myojin’s childhood memories of a bustling shopping district drive his passion to restore communal bonds with the power of music, extending the charm of Kita Ward beyond local borders and into the hearts of Tokyo residents and beyond.

With the upcoming full production of Tosca slated for March 28 and 29, 2026, the gala concert will serve as a celebratory prelude, inviting members of the community to engage through choral singing and other participatory segments. Conducted and directed by talented young figures Kantaro Sawamura and Naozumi Kado, this initiative seeks to craft a new essence of opera that resonates with local character.

Nurturing Young Talent

One defining characteristic of Prince Opera is its commitment to fostering young talent through unique audition processes, where current cast members select rising vocalists for roles in real-time. This innovative approach not only provides essential experience for these young artists but also enriches the overall production with fresh energy and creativity.

The organization works diligently to create an environment where the new generation of artists can thrive, thereby bolstering the future of opera from Kita Ward into the broader cultural landscape.

A Promise of Collaboration and Innovation

Recognizing the absence of a community-rooted opera group in Kita Ward, the establishment of Prince Opera serves as a catalyst for revitalizing local musical culture. By emphasizing collaborative efforts engaging youth under 30, along with partnerships with music universities, Prince Opera showcases a commitment to enriching the cultural scene through educational outreach and engagement.

Their goal is to create a nurturing environment where young performers can pursue their dreams while actively engaging with the local community. In light of the dwindling number of local shops, Myojin expresses the importance of forming connections among cultural institutions, local businesses, and residents to withstand and thrive amidst urban changes.

Envisioning a Global Impact

While Tokyo's musical endeavors tend to concentrate in urban centers, Prince Opera seeks to highlight the richness of opera available in quieter areas like Kita Ward. Looking ahead, the organization intends to foster exchange platforms for established and emerging musicians, possibly paving the way for a dedicated opera orchestra and a series of auditions for budding directors.

Beyond simply replicating existing models, Prince Opera aspires to innovate and diversify the opera experience, imagining a future where everyone from the local community can enjoy music together, akin to the small theaters of Germany. Through interactions with businesses in the area, they hope to nurture a supportive ecosystem that can contribute to cultural growth.

Gala Concert Highlights

The gala concert will feature a dynamic program divided into two sections:

Part 1: Behind the Scenes of Tosca

Directors Kantaro Sawamura and Hirokazu Myojin will share insights into the magic of creating their inaugural production of Tosca, while discussing how it reflects the unique attributes of Kita Ward.

Part 2: A Lavish Gala Performance

Audience members can look forward to remarkable arias and duets from various operas, including:

• - Excerpts from La Bohème
• - Selections from The Merry Widow
• - Famous pieces from Madama Butterfly

And many more!

Event Details

• - Event Name: Prince Opera's Inaugural Gala Concert in Celebration of Tosca
• - Date: September 21, 2025
• - Venue: Tsutsuji Hall, Kita Ward, Tokyo
• - Time: Doors open at 12:30 PM; Performance starts at 1:00 PM (Approximately 3 hours)

Tickets are available through Confetti, offering special discounts for students as well as free admission for children, reflecting Prince Opera’s commitment to making the arts accessible.

For media inquiries, arrangements for interviews, or more details about the performance, please contact the Prince Opera team.