BOND IN BEETHOVEN
Seventy years of diplomacy ended where it probably had to: Filipinos hearing Japan through a poignant robot anthem.
Daily TribuneSeventy years of diplomacy ended where it probably had to: Filipinos hearing Japan through a poignant robot anthem.
Ambassador Endo was surrounded, politely, by the reason speeches sometimes lose, diplomatically, to music.
PHOTOGRAPH courtesy of japan in manila
Japanese Ambassador Endo Kazuya and Madame Endo Akiko recently attended "A 70 Year Opus: Celebrating Philippines-Japan Friendship in Concert" at The Theater at Solaire in Parañaque City.
The event was graced by organizers New Japan Philharmonic general manager Mr. Sato Fumihiko and Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP) president Kaye Tinga.
To open the event, NJP general manager Sato warmly welcomed and thanked the guests for joining this special occasion.
Setting the tone of the memorable evening, Sato invited everyone to immerse themselves and enjoy the elegance of each piece that celebrates musical artistry and friendship.
Ambassador Endo expressed his heartfelt appreciation to all the Japanese and Filipino friends who joined the concert in celebration of 70 years of Philippines-Japan Friendship.
He also shared that "classical music best captures our friendship’s enduring spirit," conveying his hopes that, "Like their timeless compositions, I hope these gatherings become lasting testaments of our ever-growing bond."
CCP president Kaye Tinga delivered her remarks, extending her gratitude to all the support and collaboration that made this historic event possible. She expressed her optimism that the concert will further deepen Japan-Philippines' relations and cultural exchange.
The concert featured the New Japan Philharmonic, a Tokyo-based orchestra known for their extensive musical repertoire, as they performed in Manila for the very first time.
Both celebrated for their musical excellence and artistic depth, the NJP was led by internationally renowned and multi-awarded conductor Honna Tetsuji, together with distinguished violinist Kamio Mayuko.
Highlighting 70 years of Philippines-Japan friendship, the NJP played moving renditions of the timeless classical pieces, Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky’s Violin Concerto in D major, Op. 35 and Ludwig van Beethoven’s Symphony No. 7 in A major, Op. 92, reflecting the warm and enduring relations of both countries.
As a special surprise to the attendees, the NJP also delivered remarkable performances of "Anak" by Freddie Aguilar and the theme songs of Voltes V, a Japanese anime well-loved by Filipinos both old and young alike.