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World Premiere of Akira Nishimura's Vikarala in Osaka

Jul. 15, 2020

World Premiere of Akira Nishimura's <em>Vikarala</em> in Osaka

On July 4, the Izumi Sinfonietta Osaka, led by Norichika Iimori, performed the world premiere of Akira Nishimura's Vikarala for 12 players and strings at Sumitomolife Izumi Hall in Osaka.

Akira Nishimura serves as the Music Director of the Izumi Sinfonietta Osaka, which is the resident orchestra of Sumitomolife Izumi Hall. The orchestra was established by Nishimura, who programmed and supervised a series of concerts titled “New Jouney Towards the Future of Music”, intended to promote contemporary music at Sumitomolife Izumi Hall. Since its debut twenty years ago, on July 8, 2000, the orchestra has been developing its repertoire, premiering several works and including more standard repertoire in its programs as well. The performers all live in or are originally from the Kansai district (Osaka and associated outskirts). The Izumi Sinfonietta Osaka received the Osaka Performing Arts Prize in 2001. 

Vikarala was inspired by the composer's visit to Shin-Yakushi-ji, a Buddhist temple in Nara completed in the mid-8th century.  Statues of Yakushi Nyorai (Bhaisajyaguru) and its protective deities the Twelve Divine Generals are designated as national treasures and are enshrined there. The title “Vikarala” comes from one of the Twelve Divine Generals, and the work comprises five parts that are to be played continuously.

Listen to Akira Nishimura's Canticle of Light (1996):

(Canticle of Light/Akira Nishimura/Tokyo Symphony Orchestra/Kazuyoshi Akiyama, conductor)


Akira Nishimura
Vikarala (2020)
for 12 players and strings
1(pic., afl).1.1(bcl).1-1.1.1.1-2perc-pno(cel)-hp-str
22'

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