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Toshi Ichiyanagi's Concerto for Marimba Premieres in Osaka

Jan. 31, 2013

Toshi Ichiyanagi's Concerto for Marimba Premieres in Osaka

On January 19, the Kansai Philharmonic Orchestra presented the world premiere of Toshi Ichiyanagi’s Concerto for Marimba and Orchestra. Led by Sachio Fujioka and featuring percussionist Mutsuko Taneya, for whom the work was written, the performance was held at Osaka’s Izumi Hall headlining the Philharmonic’s 2013 New Year’s Concert. The composer writes:

The marimba enjoys greater popularity in Japan than in any other country in the world and numerous talented marimba players have already performed in this country. Up until now, few Japanese composers have ever written a marimba concerto and I am very honored to have had the opportunity to compose a concerto for marimba and orchestra commissioned by Mutsuko Taneya, a leading marimba soloist in Japan. I hope my concerto will encourage others to compose new works for marimba and other percussion instruments.

One of the most prominent Japanese composers and pianists today, Toshi Ichiyanagi celebrates his 80th birthday on February 4. A tireless contributor to the world of contemporary music from a very young age, the composer experienced an intense refocusing in the aftermath of the Japanese earthquake and tsunami disaster of March, 2011. The harrowing experience led him to reflect more deeply and seriously on the way of life in his country, resulting in several critical works including his Symphony No. 8 - Revelation 2011, a self-described “turning point” in his life as a composer. Ichiyanagi is currently serving as Artistic Director of Kanagawa Arts Foundation, Adviser of the Japan Music Competition, Councilor of Suntory Foundation for Arts, and President of Japan Finland Contemporary Music Society. He also plays an active role in concert life both domestically and internationally. We offer him our warmest congratulations on the occasion of his 80th birthday! 

Learn more on the life and music of Toshi Ichiyanagi at www.schott-music.com.

Toshi Ichiyanagi
Concerto for Marimba (2012)
for marimba and orchestra
2(2.pic).2.2.2-3.3.3.1-3perc-pno-str
18’

Symphony No. 8 (2011)
Revelation 2011
for orchestra
pic.2.2(2.ca).2(2.bcl).2-4.3.2.1-perc-pno-str
26’

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