A sixty-member orchestra took to the stage of one of the most prestigious and significant concert halls in Asia—the Suntory Hall in Tokyo—on 6 August 2018. The Fukushima musicians were joined by Tokyo supporting members, as well as the group of teachers who had been working with them for the two weeks leading up to this concert. 

 

The programme consisted of Glinka Ruslan and Lyudmilla Overture, Tchaikovsky Piano Concerto No. 1, and Tchaikovsky Symphony No. 5. Two conductors worked together to present the programme (Matheu Kieswetter from South Africa and Panos Karan from the UK), and Artistic Director Panos Karan performed the piano concerto. 

 

The musical experience was exhilarating, and the FYS musicians enjoyed listening to their sound in one of the best acoustic environments in the world. Rather than taking a break during the interval, several FYS musicians performed a lobby concert, showing to the audience a lighter and more whimsical side of their musical capabilities. Performing in front of more than 1,500 people, the concert ended with roaring applause and shouts of “Bravo!” from the audience.