#Japan #Tokyo #El Sistema #OrKidstra #Sistema New Brunswick

Celebrating Global Unity Through Music

El Sistema Japan, based in Chiyoda, Tokyo, is excited to announce a remarkable exchange concert scheduled for June 1, 2025. This event will feature performances from the OrKidstra orchestra from Ottawa and Sistema New Brunswick, who will collaborate with young musicians from Japan. Under the guidance of musicians from the National Arts Centre Orchestra of Canada, the concert will take place at Tokyo University of the Arts in Ikebukuro. This gives participants a unique opportunity to immerse themselves in cross-cultural musical experiences.

Purpose of the Concert

This concert is an integral part of the Canadian cultural program at the upcoming Osaka Kansai Expo. The collaboration between these institutions symbolizes a relationship built on mutual respect and shared passion for music. The event also marks the first collaboration between El Sistema Japan and these Canadian youth orchestras since 2019, as international music exchanges were largely halted due to the COVID-19 pandemic. This reunion is particularly special, as children have been eagerly preparing for this opportunity, excited to connect with their peers from another part of the world.

El Sistema Japan is supported by three local orchestras: the Otsuchi Child Orchestra, the Soma Child Orchestra, and the Komagane Child Orchestra. Each of these groups will send representative members to participate in the concert and experience this distinctive musical engagement.

Crowdfunding Campaign

In order to fund the concert, El Sistema Japan has launched a crowdfunding campaign aiming to raise 1 million yen to cover various expenses, including travel and accommodation for the children. The National Arts Centre Orchestra and Tokyo University of the Arts have generously supported the venue fees. This joint effort helps alleviate financial burdens while contributing to an enriching experience for the participants.

The crowdfunding campaign is open until May 28, 2025. Supporters can also receive rewards such as tickets to the concert or exclusive handmade goods from local artisans.

Rehearsals and Performances

Participants will engage in several rehearsals leading up to the concert, allowing them to build camaraderie and cooperation across cultures. The final performance is designed to celebrate the harmony and connectivity that music fosters, transcending national borders, cultures, and languages.

Program Highlights

The concert program includes notable works such as Vivaldi's Spring from The Four Seasons, Mozart’s Divertimento in F Major K. 138, and Tchaikovsky's Serenade for Strings in C Major, Op. 48. The involvement of young musicians from Canada and Japan is expected to provide a vibrant showcase of talent and creativity.

Further, El Sistema is committed to cultivating an environment where children can express themselves freely and confidently. Their initiatives highlight the importance of music as a medium for bringing people together, fostering a sense of community, and encouraging personal growth.

Invitation to Media

Members of the media are invited to cover not only the concert itself but also the preparatory rehearsals leading up to this exciting event. This concert not only serves as a musical performance but also aims to inspire the next generation of musicians and cultivate a lasting friendship between Japan and Canada through the universal language of music.

Conclusion

El Sistema Japan envisions that through music, the children involved will develop a deeper understanding of various cultures, and in turn, strengthen their own identities. The unique experiences gained from this exchange concert will contribute significantly to their personal and artistic growth. As we count down to this landmark event on June 1, 2025, we are reminded of the powerful connections that music helps create within the global community.