2018OMF Orchestra Concert Programs Finale!
2018OMF Orchestra Concert Programs came to an end last weekend with Orchestra Concert Program C "OMF Gig". In total 5695 audience came to Matsumoto to enjoy the concerts.
Kazuyoshi Akiyama, who were taught by late Hideo Saito, conducted Saito Kinen Orchestra for the first time in 14 years. Director Ozawa asked Mo. Akiyama when he was thinking the program, saying "please choose something we've never done at the festival". So Akiyama made all French programs, and it paid off greatly.
The first half was consisted of Ibert: Ouverture de fête, Debussy: Prélude à l'après-midi d'un faune and Ravel: Boléro. After the intermission, 89 SKO members and Mo. Akiyama performed Saint-Saens: Symphony No.3 in C minor, Op. 78 "Organ". 1852 audience sent passionate and long applause to the great artists.
On Sep. 2 (Sat), Orchestra Concert Program C "OMF Gig" closed the whole Orchestra Concert. The Philadelphia Orchestra assistant conductor Kensho Watanabe made his Japan debut in this program, with 2 Bernstein music; Overture to Candide and Three Dance Episodes from On the Town. Kensho conducted the orchestra with sharp and energetic instructions, and the audience welcomed his first and memorable performance.
The last piece of the first half was Gershwin: An American in Paris under the baton of Diego Matheuz. Strong bond between SKO and Diego made the performance excellent and described the scenery of Paris in early 20th Century completely.
After the intermission, Marcus Roberts Trio performed 4 songs from《West Side Story》. The concert hall transformed to a comfortable Jazz hall with great performance of the three.
Gershwin: I Got Rhythm Variation was the last number to close the night. SKO, Marcus Roberts Trio and Diego Matheuz performed memorable performance that told us the joy of life.
1865 audience gave them great applause, and artists said goodbye to the audience with Gentian flowers in their hands, saying "Until next year!".
