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Empowering Young Musicians in Tokyo through the GOA+ Program

The Tokyo Arts Theater has officially launched its innovative initiative, GOA+ (Geigeki Orchestra Academy for Wind), dedicated to supporting and developing the skills of young wind instrument musicians. This program, building upon the successful foundation of the GOA established in 2014, aims to provide these emerging artists with opportunities to perform at various events throughout Tokyo, thereby bringing classical music closer to the community.

About GOA+ Program

GOA+ focuses on young musicians, particularly those who play wind instruments, including brass and woodwinds. The program allows both current and former members of the GOA to register as artists, enabling them to participate in a wide array of events hosted by organizations and businesses throughout Tokyo. This initiative not only enhances the musicians' self-promotion skills but also helps curate concerts, workshops, and various music-related programs within the city.

As part of its mission, GOA+ seeks to address the ongoing challenges faced by young musicians, particularly those transitioning from academic settings to professional careers. Many graduates find it difficult to acquire performance opportunities, especially following the disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, leading some to abandon their musical aspirations altogether. GOA+ addresses these concerns by actively coordinating performance opportunities at public venues, art galleries, and other spaces across Tokyo.

Upcoming Performances

An exciting highlight of the GOA+ initiative is its involvement in the upcoming Tokyo 2025 World Athletics Championships, specifically through the event “TOKYO FORWARD 2025.” This performance is scheduled for the National Stadium on September 16-17, 2024. The program will feature the Seras Saxophone Quartet and several talented artists, including Miho Ebiwara and Naoko Miyakawa. These performances will serve to energize the atmosphere leading up to the highly anticipated international sporting event.

Performance Schedule

• - Event: TOKYO FORWARD 2025 for World Athletics
• - Location: National Stadium Outdoor Stage Area
• - Dates: September 16 (15:35-16:05) & September 17 (15:00-15:30)
• - Performers: Seras Saxophone Quartet, Miho Ebiwara, Haruka Sotozaki, Kanon Tachibata, and Naoko Miyakawa.

Complementary Events

The excitement doesn't stop there. GOA+ artists will also be featured in various upcoming events throughout the summer:

• - Summer Night Museum 2025 at the Tokyo Metropolitan Garden Museum on August 22 with musicians like Kyo Nakayama (Trumpet) and Fumika Sato (Horn).
• - Various performances at the Shibuya Park Gallery on August 29 with artists such as Momoko Wada and Konoka Kitayama (Flute and Bassoon).
• - Tokyo Metropolitan Art Museum on September 5 featuring Yuuko Sato and Ayano Yamamoto (Euphonium and Saxophone).

All of these performances aim to elevate the profiles of participating young musicians while engaging the public with live classical music experiences.

The Importance of GOA+

GOA+ not only stands as a platform for young musicians to showcase their talent but also reflects the broader goals of the Tokyo Cultural Strategy 2030, which emphasizes creating a sustainable environment for artists to thrive within the cultural landscape. By actively fostering new talent, the program advocates for the continuity of artistic careers in Japan’s ever-evolving music scene.

For more information regarding the GOA+ program, registrations, and upcoming performances, visit the official website at GOA+ Program.