#Japan #Tokyo #Salad Music Festival #Valemon #Elena Kats-Chernin

Enchanting Children's Opera: The Story of the Polar Bear King Valemon

This summer, the Salad Music Festival is set to mesmerize audiences with its beloved children's opera, The Story of the Polar Bear King Valemon. Based on a Norwegian fairy tale, this enchanting production tells the story of a brave young girl named Lagna, who embarks on a daring adventure to break a curse that has befallen her beloved, the Polar Bear King, Valemon. With three talented singers accompanied by a petite orchestra, children will be transported into a magical realm filled with captivating narratives and stunning melodies.

The production is directed and translated into Japanese by Tomo Sugao, renowned for his extensive experience in children's opera. Sugao is also the associate artistic director of the Opera Department at the State Theatre of Cottbus in Germany. The score is composed by Elena Kats-Chernin, an Australian composer noted for her successful operas catered to children and young audiences in German-speaking theatres. Together, they create an experience where children can discover new worlds while adults can relive their childhood memories.

A Message from Director Tomo Sugao

In a statement regarding next year’s production, Sugao expressed his enthusiasm for working on this gripping adventure set against the vibrant backdrop of Northern Europe's deep forests and mountains. He described how Kats-Chernin's colorful and rhythmic music, combined with a script penned by Susanne Felicitas Wolf, is poised to capture the hearts of modern audiences, creating a fantastic world that resonates deeply with today's viewers.

Sugao also shared his hopes that Lagna's journey—reflecting themes of loneliness and anxiety, yet embodying courage to take steps forward—will serve as a gentle encouragement to children navigating their own lives today. With live orchestral music complementing the unique vocal expressions of the talented cast, this music drama promises to be an extraordinary auditory experience.

The Storyline

Lagna, a kind-hearted girl, marries Valemon, the majestic polar bear, who visits her in her dreams. Bound by love, they are torn apart when Lagna breaks the promise she made to not look at Valemon during the night, leading to his abduction to the castle of a fearsome troll queen. Determined to rescue him, Lagna embarks on a solitary journey filled with intrigue and challenges. Will her unwavering love triumph over trials as she crosses through dark forests and snowy mountains? What is Valemon's true form?

Cast and Staff

The opera features a stellar cast:

• - Lagna: Noriko Tanetani (Soprano)
• - Valemon: Hikaru Onodera (Baritone)
• - Storyteller: Aika Kambara (Soprano)

The artistic team includes:

• - Set Design: Mitsuyasu Sugiura
• - Lighting Design: Keisuke Yoshitsugu
• - Costumes: Kumiko Takeda
• - Hair & Makeup: Momoko Ishihara
• - Sound Design: Koichi Ishimaru (Tokyo Metropolitan Theatre)

Performance Details

• - Production Title: The Story of the Polar Bear King Valemon
• - Date: September 14-15, 2025
• - Time: 2:00 PM (Doors open at 1:30 PM)
• - Venue: Tokyo Metropolitan Theatre, Theatre East, Toshima Ward, Tokyo
• - Ticket Pricing: 3,000 yen for adults, 1,500 yen for children (elementary to high school)

Ticket Sales and Reservations

Tickets go on sale on June 23, 2025, at 10:00 AM. They can be purchased through the Tokyo Metropolitan Theatre Box Office or the Salad Music Festival official site.

Conclusion

The Salad Music Festival invites everyone to enjoy this authentic operatic experience, where both children and adults can immerse themselves in the vibrant world of storytelling and music. Join us for an adventure filled with love, courage, and extraordinary melodies that will resonate with audiences of all ages.