Munich Philharmonic

The other day, I attended a concert by the Munich Philharmonic, who are currently visiting Japan.

A KAJIMOTO-presented performance at Suntory Hall

In fact, it was the fifth-generation proprietor’s first time hearing an overseas orchestra in Japan, and I had no idea it could be this extraordinary…

Mahler’s Symphony No. 1, shaped by Shani, the orchestra’s incoming chief conductor, had a sound unlike anything I had ever heard; even the next day, its reverberations and images remained with me.

The breathtakingly beautiful Suntory Hall

Why did the brass, in particular, sound so clear that I wondered whether microphones and speakers were being used?

A storm of “BRAVO!!” erupted immediately after the performance

Of course, since it was a concert heard in the hall, the sound was naturally live—but it was a curious experience to feel that the live sound was even more vividly alive.

It was also wonderful to see that the concertmistress is Japanese.

Seong-Jin Cho’s performance of Beethoven’s Piano Concerto No. 1, played before the symphony, was not so much captivating as utterly overwhelming.

I feel as though I have discovered a world I should not have stepped into, which makes me a little apprehensive about what lies ahead.

Given the opportunity, I hope to make an active effort to attend not only Japanese orchestras, but overseas ones as well.

My heartfelt thanks to Mr. or Ms. O and Mr. or Ms. M of KAJIMOTO.

“Mahleriana,” a book by Takashi Funayama, Japan’s leading Mahler scholar

In any case, this Golden Week gave me so many different experiences.

It was a fulfilling holiday, beginning with RISE mixed martial artist Ryuto Shiokawa’s title match, followed by a performance of the Noh play Dōjōji, a major music event at Tokyo International Forum, Maestro Tetsuji Honna’s concert at La Folle Journée, and finally the Munich Philharmonic that day.

I am also grateful to everyone who gave me these wonderful opportunities.