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Toshio Hosokawa and Yoko Tawada's Opera, Natasha, Premieres in Tokyo

Aug. 25, 2025

On August 11, the New National Theatre Tokyo presented the world premiere of Toshio Hosokawa's new opera, Natasha. Under the musical direction of Kazushi Ono and staged by Christian Räth, this opera, set to a libretto by Yoko Tawada, confronts some of the most timely and pressing issues of our time. Three additional performances followed the premiere on August 13, 15, and 17).

In the opera, two people from very different worlds – Natasha and Arato – meet. They speak different languages, come from different backgrounds, but share a longing for meaning and humanity. Guided by a mysterious figure calling himself the grandson of Mephistopheles, they travel through a world tormented by suffering. Climate change, war, and the exploitation caused by economic acceleration have turned the Earth into a modern hell – reminiscent of Dante's Divine Comedy and Goethe's Faust. On their journey through this dark mirror of reality, Natasha and Arato fall in love – beyond gender, beyond language. A fragile hope emerges: the vision of a more humane and peaceful future. Hosokawa’s music gives voice to this vision, through soundscapes that are rich in color, fragility, and depth.

Toshio Hosokawa is one of the most important voices in contemporary music. His works merge Eastern and Western traditions into a poetic sonic universe. Natasha continues his exploration of central themes – nature, spirituality, and the human condition – in a powerful operatic form.

Natasha was commissioned by New National Theatre Tokyo with the support of the Ernst von Siemens Music Foundation.


Natasha at the New National Theatre Tokyo

To learn more about Toshio Hosokawa, visit schott-music.com.

Toshio Hosokawa
Natasha (2024-2025)
opera in one act
2(2.pic & afl).1.1.sax.1-2.2.1.1-3perc-hp.cel.e-gtr-str. Band: 2hn.tr.tbn.perc
125'

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