#Japan #Tokyo #Circuit #Tokyo Opera City #György Kurtág

Celebrate 100 Years of György Kurtág in Tokyo

On November 4, 2026, a striking concert titled "György Kurtág: Portrait at 100" will be held at the Tokyo Opera City Recital Hall, orchestrated by CIRCUIT, a creator of diverse modern music performances in Japan. This event marks the first large-scale exhibit dedicated to Kurtág in Japan, aiming to encapsulate the essence of one of Hungary's most influential contemporary composers.

Kurtág, who remains relatively underrecognized in Japan, has made a mark profoundly rooted in the traditions of Western classical music. Although he shares Hungarian origins with fellow composer György Ligeti, who ventured into international fame, Kurtág's trailblazing journey behind the 'Iron Curtain' offered him a unique perspective that turned his music into a rich exploration of possibilities. As he turns 100 this year, it is especially significant to present Kurtág’s distinctive works to a wider Japanese audience through exceptional performances.

The concert will feature several compositions that incorporate traditional Hungarian instruments, including the cimbalom, a type of hammered dulcimer. This remarkable element will be brought to life by Mayumi Nararai, a leading contemporary cimbalom player in Japan. Additionally, notable soprano Minami Matsubara, recognized for her recent outstanding performances, is set to grace the stage, bringing her vocal prowess to Kurtág’s celebrated pieces that often highlight vocal elements. Assembling modern music's seasoned talents, the event promises a high-quality realization of Kurtág's intricate compositions.

Event Overview

• - Date: November 4, 2026 (Wednesday)
• - Venue: Tokyo Opera City Recital Hall, 3-20-2 Nishi-Shinjuku, Shinjuku City, Tokyo

Concert Program

The concert will showcase a compelling selection of works, including:

• - Eight Duos
• - Three Short Pieces
• - Another Three Short Pieces
• - A Little Predicament
• - Homage to R. Schumann
• - Three Ancient Inscriptions
• - Bagatelle
• - Scenes from a Novel

Featured Performers

• - Minami Matsubara: Soprano
• - Takahiro Uchiyama: Flute/Piccolo
• - Ryuta Iwase: Clarinet
• - Atsuo Murata: Trombone
• - Kei Sakoda: Violin/Viola
• - Masashi Yamamoto: Double-bass
• - Mayumi Nararai: Cimbalom
• - Gaku Yamada: Guitar
• - Erika Kawamura: Piano

Doors open at 18:30, with the concert commencing at 19:00 and a projected runtime of approximately two hours.

Ticket Information

• - General Admission: ¥4,000
• - Students: ¥2,500

(All seats are free seating and include tax)

Tickets are currently available through Confetti, managed by Long Run Planning Co., Ltd. (based in Shinjuku, Tokyo) headed by CEO Daigo Kurematsu.

For inquiries and further details, please contact: [email protected] or call 080-5496-6854 (Ishizuka).

[Organizer]: CIRCUIT
[Supporters]:

• - Public Interest Foundation Kao Arts & Sciences Foundation
• - Public Interest Foundation Asahi Shimbun Cultural Foundation
• - Public Interest Foundation Nomura Foundation
• - Arts Council Tokyo (Tokyo Arts and Culture Creative Support).

Founded in 2019 to spotlight the contemporary works of Haruyuki Suzuki, CIRCUIT aims to introduce not just Suzuki's pieces but pivotal new music trends both locally and internationally.

Upcoming events:

• - October 22, 2024: Haruyuki Suzuki [Images and Music] Chamber Music Exhibition at Suginami Public Hall Small Hall
• - December 7, 2023: Minimalism and Its Surroundings – Centering on Steve Reich at Suginami Public Hall Small Hall.

Join us in this exceptional celebration of György Kurtág's 100 years, promising a night of unforgettable music!