#Japan #Tokyo #Classical Music #Toshio Hosokawa

Special Concert for Toshio Hosokawa’s 70th Birthday

Toshio Hosokawa, a prominent composer, is set to celebrate his 70th birthday with a unique concert titled "50 Years of Transience". This event will take place on October 12, 2025, at the Goethe-Institut in Tokyo, and will feature performances by renowned artists including violinist Fumika Mouri, saxophonist Masaki Oishi, accordionist Tomomi Ota, and flutist Yuki Ueno.

The concert comes in recognition of Hosokawa's esteemed career and his recent accolade, the BBVA Foundation Frontiers of Knowledge Award in the Music and Opera category—often referred to as the “Nobel Prize” for Spanish arts. Tickets for this unforgettable evening can currently be purchased through Confetti, operated by Long-run Planning Co., Ltd., based in Shinjuku, Tokyo.

A Journey Through Hosokawa’s Music

This concert promises to be a profound tribute to Hosokawa's nearly five-decade-long journey in music composition. The program will feature pieces beginning with his debut work "Winter Bird," created during his time studying in Berlin in 1978, to the world premiere of the saxophone version of "In the Depths of Time." His world of sound will be explored and celebrated through the lens of notable musicians who have engaged deeply with his compositions.

Revered saxophonist Masaki Oishi, who is highlighted in the concert for his intricate interpretations of Hosokawa’s works, will also participate. The ensemble includes exceptional talents who have collaborated frequently with Hosokawa, making this a fascinating opportunity to witness the evolution of his music from his early days to present. This gala promises to illuminate the hallmark milestones in Hosokawa’s artistic journey with a rich tapestry of sound and creativity.

Significance of the Concert

The event is not just a celebration of Hosokawa's age but also of his contribution to contemporary music. Committed to traversing modern challenges, Hosokawa's compositions reflect a blend of Eastern cultural sensitivity and contemporary Western influences. The concert aims to weave a narrative that spans his musical innovations while highlighting the ongoing dialogues between tradition and modernity.

In a message reflecting on the concert, Shinya Kakigi, a notable figure in the music community, expressed enthusiasm for the upcoming performance. He remarked on how this concert will elucidate the creative path that led to the creation of his new opera, "Natasha," scheduled to make its world premiere at the New National Theatre this August. Kakigi emphasizes that the concert will traverse the shifts in Hosokawa's music from works like "Line I" to intricate scores that embody space and time.

Program Details

The concert program highlights a variety of compositions showcasing Hosokawa's artistic evolution:

• - Winter Bird (1978) for solo violin, performed by Fumika Mouri.
• - Melodia (1979) for solo accordion, performed by Tomomi Ota.
• - Line I (1984/86) for flute, performed by Yuki Ueno.
• - In the Depths of Time (1994/2025) - saxophone and accordion - World Premiere (saxophone version) performed by Masaki Oishi and Tomomi Ota.
• - Ecstasis (Dasein) (2016/2020) for violin, performed by Fumika Mouri.
• - Spell Song (2014-2015) arranged by Masaki Oishi for soprano saxophone.
• - Prayer for Rain (2018) for six percussionists performed by the National University of Music Percussion Ensemble, conducted by Yoshinao Kihara.

Each piece encapsulates Hosokawa’s artistic vision while exploring themes ranging from nature to cultural memory, and sound as a reflective medium. The concert will last approximately two hours, commencing at 16:00, with an intermission included.

Artist Profiles

In addition to Hosokawa’s prolific achievements, the performing artists have equally impressive backgrounds:

• - Fumika Mouri: Notable for her awards including 2nd place in the 54th Paganini International Violin Competition, she is recognized as a leading violinist in Japan.
• - Tomomi Ota: A celebrated accordionist who graduated at the top of her class from the University of Music in Germany and is dedicated to promoting the accordion's repertoire.
• - Yuki Ueno: A principal flutist with numerous accolades including the top prize at the 76th Music Competition of Japan.
• - Masaki Oishi: An accomplished saxophonist with a flair for contemporary music, he has also won numerous accolades in both Japan and abroad.
• - Yoshinao Kihara: The conductor who brings together this extraordinary ensemble, he is hailed for his contributions to both orchestral and operatic music.

Special mentions also go to the percussion ensemble affiliated with the National University of Music, showcasing fresh talent and dedication to their craft.

Ticket Information

Tickets are set at

• - General Admission: 4,000 JPY,
• - U-25 Admission: 2,000 JPY,

with a nominal increase for tickets purchased on the day of the event. For more information and to purchase tickets, please visit the official Confetti ticketing website.

This concert is a not-to-be-missed event for lovers of contemporary classical music and will undoubtedly be a highlight in Tokyo's cultural calendar for 2025!