Ring in the New Year with this concert full of spirited pieces, each of which will show off the technical expertise of the Tokyo Metropolitan Symphony Orchestra, while giving the audience a perfect way to finish off the holiday season with a bit of traditional excitement. Revel in a varied selection of energetic music, with everything from ancient Japanese Gagaku court music arranged for the orchestra, to more modern audience favorites like Gershwin's Rhapsody in Blue. Pianist Yukio Yokoyama will show off the flamboyance of Bartók's folk dances, and the finesse of his technique will bring out the deep feeling of Liszt's piano compositions. After conducting the orchestra through the first 5 pieces, conductor Yuzo Toyama will bring the concert to a close by conducting a piece of his very own composition, a special treat for all listeners. Toyama often cites the folk music-inspired music of Bartók as a primary influence, so this Tokyo native will no-doubt finish the concert off with a colorful composition pulling from sources of all kinds, finally bringing audiences to their feet to shout "bravo!"

This part of the "Sound Forest" Tokyo Bunka Kaikan Orchestra Concert Series is sure to be a fun, accessible show for classical music experts and novices alike!

⇩ (A little preview of the Tokyo Bunka Kaikan concert halls.) ⇩

Program:

Hidemaro Konoye (Arr.): Etenraku

Bartók: Romanian Folk Dances, Sz.68

Liszt: Piano Concerto No.1 in E-flat Major, S.124

Gershwin: Rhapsody in Blue

Liszt: Hungarian Rhapsody No.2

Yuzo Toyama: Rhapsody for Orchestra

*Program is subject to change under certain circumstances.