#Japan #Tokyo #Tokyo Mixed Choir #Sumo Fantasia #Hiroyuki Mito

A Historic Evening for the Tokyo Mixed Choir

On November 16, 2025, the Tokyo Mixed Choir will host a remarkable concert at Suginami Public Hall in Tokyo. This event celebrates Hiroyuki Mito as the new permanent conductor, marking a fresh chapter for the choir. The concert will feature the world premiere of Sumo Fantasia, a groundbreaking choral work by renowned composer Takafumi Nobunaga, conducted by both Mito and Yoshiki Yamada.

A Unique Double Conductor Experience

The highlight of the concert is undoubtedly the debut performance of Sumo Fantasia, inspired by traditional Japanese sumo rituals and lyrics. The dual conductor setup, featuring Mito and Yamada leading a single composition, is a novel approach rarely seen in choral performances in Japan. This collaboration promises to breathe new life into the rich tapestry of Japanese choral music.

Revisiting Cherished Repertoire

In addition to the new piece, the concert will revisit some of the choir's cherished past works, such as Takashi Yoshimatsu’s Plant Prism (1983), S. Leak’s Condorilla, and Akira Miyoshi’s choral suite Five Children’s Pictures (1968). These pieces have stood the test of time, continuing to resonate with audiences both old and new.

Stellar Performers and Collaborations

Joining Mito and Yamada will be esteemed musicians, including acclaimed pianist Masato Kitabata and emerging violin talent Ririka Takagi. Their performance will spotlight a blend of choral and instrumental arrangements, especially in Vaughan Williams’ The Lark Ascending and Leak’s Kianga, demonstrating the seamless interaction between voice and violin.

Concert Program

• - Plant Prism (1983, commissioned work by Tokyo Mixed Choir) - Composer: Takashi Yoshimatsu
• - Condorilla - Composer: S. Leak
• - Kianga - Composer: S. Leak
• - The Lark Ascending - Composer: R. Vaughan Williams
• - Sumo Fantasia (World premiere commissioned work) - Composer: Takafumi Nobunaga, Conductors: Hiroyuki Mito, Yoshiki Yamada
• - Choral Suite Five Children’s Pictures - Poet: Toshiko Takada, Composer: Akira Miyoshi

About the Tokyo Mixed Choir

Established in 1956, the Tokyo Mixed Choir has become a leading professional ensemble in Japan. They focus on a range of choral works, fostering both traditional and contemporary repertoire. Their innovative commissioning projects have resulted in over 250 original compositions, enriching the choral landscape in Japan. The choir performs approximately 150 concerts yearly, including regular performances in Tokyo and Osaka, and tours abroad.

Concert Details

• - Event Name: Hiroyuki Mito's Conductor Appointment Celebration
• - Concert: Tokyo Mixed Choir's 268th Regular Concert
• - Date: November 16, 2025
• - Venue: Suginami Public Hall, Tokyo
• - Conductors: Hiroyuki Mito, Yoshiki Yamada
• - Piano: Masato Kitabata
• - Violin: Ririka Takagi
• - Organization: General Incorporated Foundation for Choral Music Promotion
• - Co-host: Suginami Public Hall
• - Sponsored by: Suntory Holdings Limited
• - Supported by: Agency for Cultural Affairs
• - Ticket Prices: General (advance) - 4,500 JPY, Students - 1,500 JPY (all seats reserved, tax included)

Don’t miss this unique opportunity to witness the dawn of a new era for the Tokyo Mixed Choir and experience the beauty of choral music like never before. Tickets are available through the Confetti service. For more information, visit the official website.