#Japan #Osaka #Expo 2025 #Tokyo Children's Ensemble #National Arts Centre Orchestra

A Musical Collaboration at Expo 2025

On June 6, 2025, the Tokyo Children's Ensemble will grace the stage at the Osaka Expo with a special concert alongside the National Arts Centre Orchestra from Canada. This collaboration was made possible through an invitation from the Canadian Embassy in Japan and the National Arts Centre, and is expected to be a remarkable highlight of Canada’s cultural program at the Expo.

The concert will take place in the EXPO Hall, known as Shine Hat, which is designated as the venue for the opening and closing ceremonies of the Expo. This event will showcase not only the renowned Ottawa-based orchestra but will also feature the Oscar Peterson Centennial Quartet, and youth members from Canadian El Sistema organizations, such as OrKidstra from Ottawa and Sistema New Brunswick. This unique opportunity marks a significant moment for the Tokyo Children’s Ensemble, which embraces inclusive participation, as many of its members, including those with visual impairments, embark on their first international performance.

Musical Highlights

The concert will feature a historic performance of Hymn to Freedom, composed by the world-famous Canadian musician Oscar Peterson, whose centenary is celebrated this year. This piece will be performed for the first time in a symphonic arrangement, alongside a jazz quartet and choir, with vocals sung in Japanese. The orchestration signifies not only a musical milestone but also a celebration of inclusivity through music.

In addition, the Tokyo Children’s Ensemble is also scheduled to perform at the Canadian Pavilion during the Expo, offering further opportunities for these young musicians to shine on an international stage.

The Inclusion Mission of El Sistema Japan

Managed by the El Sistema Japan organization, the Tokyo Children's Ensemble began in 2017 under the name Tokyo White Hand Chorus. Initially, it focused on children with hearing impairments and later expanded to include visually impaired children, emphasizing beauty and joy in harmonious singing. The ensemble aims to foster an inclusive society where music serves as a common thread bringing together children from diverse backgrounds.

After a hiatus during the pandemic, this collaboration represents a triumphant return to international engagements, with most participating children experiencing their first occasion of cultural exchange through music. The ensemble’s vision is to create an environment where every child feels empowered through the arts, regardless of their background or challenges they may face.

Event Details

• - Date: June 6, 2025, from 6 PM to 8 PM
• - Venue: EXPO Hall “Shine Hat”, Osaka
• - Featured Artists:

- National Arts Centre Orchestra
- Alexander Shelley (conductor)
- Oscar Peterson Centennial Quartet
- Jaeden Izik-Dzurko (piano) - Winner of the 2024 Leeds International Piano Competition
- OrKidstra
- Sistema New Brunswick
- Tokyo Children's Ensemble

For more information about the concert, including profiles of performers and the program, please visit the National Arts Centre’s website.

Conclusion

As this event approaches, media representatives are welcome to cover rehearsal sessions and the concert day itself. It is an exciting opportunity for the Tokyo Children's Ensemble and their peers from Canada to demonstrate the power of inclusivity and cultural exchange through the universal language of music.