Sendai International Music Competition Volunteer Blog

The message for everyone on the earth, from the secretariat of Sendai International Music Competition

2011-03-17T19:01:00.002+09:00

This is Chiba, ex-manager of this blog.
As you know, Sendai is hit by the greatest earthquake and Tsunami. Especially, so many coastal towns are struck by unprecedented disaster.

I'm living in overseas from the end of the 4th competition, by good fortune, so I present the message on behalf of the secretariat of Sendai International Music Competition.

Here is an email message from Mr. Nihei, a staff of the secretariat.
(his message is translated by me)

"Now I'm in the office.
In the snow, biked 10km or more to office. It's for the first time in three decades?

I start checking email now. Messages are coming from competition's juries and contestants, and so many people, gave us warm concerning and supporting. I can't stop my eyes water."

This is a message from Mr. Nihei on behalf of the secretariat of competition.

"All staffs of the secretariat of Sendai International Music Competition are safety. From now, we determine to engage in reconstruction assistance. And we wish for peace in the world."

According to Mr. Nihei, staffs are striving to help the evacuation center and some places now, their office may work from next week. Then competition project might temporary close for diverting fund to reconstruction of Sendai city.

I hope the day will come again to be filled by music in Sendai.

Chiba, SIMC volunteer staff

The result on piano section are announced

2010-06-15T20:47:00.000+09:00

12 semifinalists of piano section have been announced!
The result is here, and here.

Chiba, SIMC volunteer staff

Reports on Mini Concert for school children

2010-06-15T18:47:00.000+09:00

Here are two reports by volunteer staff on Mini Concert for School Children. Click on each images for larger format.

26th May(Wed)
Rokugou elementary school, Sendai

2nd June(Wed)
Tsubonuma elementary school, Sendai

Kaori Sato, SIMC volunteer for PR

Piano Section Elimination Round just started！

2010-06-13T09:50:00.002+09:00

Piano Section Elimination Round is going on for three days from today. Although this competition has unique aspects focusing on concertos, this elimination round is set for solo pieces.

Each contestants perform a program which consists of any solo pieces selected freely by the contestant, with a total performance duration that exceeds 30 minutes but does not exceed 35 minutes.

However, the program must include at least one piece from the works of the composers listed below.

Bach, Haydn, Mozart, Beethoven, Schubert, Mendelssohn, Chopin, Schumann, Brahms

Piano fans are excited for their solo performances.
Performance order is here.

Chiba, SIMC volunteer staff

Challengers' Live in Yamaha Music Tohoku

2010-06-07T09:41:00.000+09:00

On 27th May, three days after the last day of elimination round of violin section, the contestants appeared on the stage of Challengers' Live.

The venue, the hall of Yamaha Music Tohoku was full of audience! I found some people with children there and I thought "they might have come to the concert after the lessons downstairs."

Four contestants had played for the concert, in some part playing together with musicians based in Sendai. I enjoyed their high level performance in homelike good atmosphere.

Four players of various ages come from different countries. They entertained us with not only their repertoires for elimination round but a variety of pieces. I could see the slight movement of their fingers, since the performers and audience were so close. When you listen to music on CD, it is sometimes hard to catch soft sounds. However, no stress at all today! I listened and enjoyed every single note.

During the performance, they talked about their life in university and hobbies other than music in the interview. They were so natural different from them on stage. I got a sense of familiarity with them to know their many episodes of their daily life, touching to hear the story about their day-to-day practice. I felt that this kind of communication between artists and audience would make us "ardent supporters" of them.

Professor Soh, Chairperson of the competition showed up in the hall. Ms. Sae Tahara, a host of the concert, asked him to come to the stage and Professor Soh talked to and shake hands with young musicians.

At the end of the concert, Four contestants and Ms. Shibouta, a violinist, played "Seven Childlen" a Japanese children's song with quintet.

I was fascinated by the concert in warm atmosphere, enjoying music and every single tone of violin, having good communication with contestants.

I would like to say thank you to four young artist with big applause!

Ayako Matsui, volunteer for PR

“Totteokino Ongakusai 2010” is going on today

2010-06-06T13:08:00.003+09:00

This is another music festival representing Sendai. It is wonderful music festival that everyone, no matter what disability the person has, enjoy music together.

Because I'm at competition venue, so I'll check out the USTREAM.

Twitter of "Totteokino Ongakusai 2010" is HERE.

Chiba, SIMC volunteer staff

Violin section has concluded today

2010-06-06T12:34:00.001+09:00

As you already know, the result of final round of the violin section has been announced. Everyone was excited at the award ceremony last night. Today has been a good day. We were guessing who is going to win, and after the announcement, talked each other about the result.

I reported the result on Twitter, right after it was announced. I don't think many people check SIMC Volunteer Blog Twitter... Anyway, I will try to TWEET as many as possible duling the piano section.

Violin section has concluded its schedule with today's Prizewinners' Gala Concert.

Chiba, SIMC volunteer staff

Challenger's Live

2010-06-04T23:40:00.002+09:00

A challenger's live concert was held on Thursday, 3rd of June at Sendai Mediatheque Open Square.
People were lined up to get a ticket..

A man in a suit didn't want to leave the line, and said "Trying to get a front seat".

Performers
YANG Yoonjung（Republic of Korea）
Appeared in green dress, then greeted in Japanese (!).
Audiences applaused a lot as she said "I dressed green because it's beautiful greenery season."

♪Mendelssohn
Violin Concerto in E minor, Op.64

MC Ms. Keiko Shibota and and Ms. Sae Tahara interviewed after the performance.

Ms. YANG…
"I love flied eggplant, NATTO, ONSEN and TAIYAKI!"
"Also love ANIME by Hayao Miyazaki. I would call myself "MANIAC" not "OTAKU""

We all find her very lovely and glad she loves JAPAN.

The next performer was…
Brendan SHEA（United States of America）
♪Tchaikovsky
Melody

Mr. SHEA said "Everytime I play this piece, I feel like I'm going to my remembering place, then coming back home."

♪Prokofiev
Violin Concerto No.2 in G Minor, Op.63 (2nd movement)

"I remember I listened to this piece with my mother when I was 13 or 14. I felt it's love song. This is my favorite." He said.

He saw the violin in window display and told his mother "I love to play this". It was the beginning of his career. He was three at that time.

Eléonore DARMON (FRANCE) ＆YING Chiujan (TAIWAN)
♪Prokofiev
Sonata for 2 violins op.56 (1st and 2nd movement)

Sounded like two violins were talking or fighting… however, they eventually making up with each other. (It's my first time to listen to this piece.)

Ms. DARMON and Ms. YING has known each other for 9 years, being very good friend and rivals. I heard their friendship has run deeper after this competition.

Eléonore DARMON（FRANCE）
♪Brahms
Violin Sonata No.2, op.100 (1st movement)

♪Massenet
Meditation de Thais

♪Brahms
Scherzo

♪Fauré
Après un rêve

Ms. DARMON, a Brahms lover, turns an OKONOMIYAKI lover. "Even I try many kinds of Japanese foods, OKONOMIYAKI never let my heart go. Audience loved her cute talk very much.

There was an accident before Ms. YING's performance. We heard her tuning in backstage. Although we worried about that, she showed up at the stage smiling with her violin as if nothing had happened.

YING Chiujan (TAIWAN)
♪Beethoven　: Violin Concerto in D major, Op. 61 (3rd movement)

♪Kreisler
Caprice Viennois
Tambourin Chinois

Ms. Ying is a student of Mr.SVETLIN ROUSEV, the first prize winner of the first SIMC. He told about this competition to Ms. Ying.

According to Ms. Ying, "I don't get nervous. I guess it's because I do Yoga."
(Oh yes, she looks great.)

-Grand Finale-
All the performers played "HAMABE-no-UTA" together, a Japanese traditional song.
We enjoyed beautiful harmony.

Prof. Soh, chief judge, and Mrs. Soh came to this event. Prof. Soh friendly talked to the performers, "Enjoyed your performance very much. Much more fun! Thank you."

-Autograph Session-
Elderly woman was happy to get the one. She said "I told I'm your fan. An interpreter helped me.
Everyone seemed to have a good time.

Thank you very much for the performers and organizers of this beautiful event.

Kurihara, SIMC volunteer for PR

Finalist of violio section

2010-05-31T19:53:00.000+09:00

Semi-final round of violin section has concluded by announcing 6 finalists.
The list of the finalists is here.

Final round of violin section is being held this weekend. How quickly time passes.

Chiba, SIMC volunteer staff

Koryu salon

2010-05-31T19:44:00.000+09:00

Today, there was Suzume-Odori dance performance at Koryu salon.
I rushed to Koryu salon right after the meeting of volunteer staff.

I had my flute for Suzume-odori in my bag and was excited about joining the dancers, however, unfortunately it ended soon after I joined.
Next time I will bring my Japanese fan!

I had a bowl of Imoni soup and it was delicious.
Thank you.

yacco, SIMC volunteer for PR

Viola Space 2010 Tokyo concert

2010-05-29T00:52:00.000+09:00

Viola Space 2010 Tokyo concert at 7 o'clock on May 27 at Kioi Hall in Tokyo.
The concert of second night was entitled "Dancing Viola".

Yasuhiro Suzuki of Yomiuri Nippon Symphony Orchestra Tokyo and Sergey Malov performed Leclair's Sonata for two violas No.4 in D major.

The original of this piece is "Sonata for two violin in A major.
Today's performance seemed to me that I was listening to the conversation between two violas.

Ehrenfellner: Concerto for violin, viola and orchestra, an homage to St.Petersburg, Op10(2010) 1st movement "From deep chasm".

It is not too much to say that the encounter with Christophe who is known for as a conductor, composer as well as a violinist and Sergey as violinist and violist has led to this concerto.

Sergey appeared on the stage with viola and violin. Then he put his viola on a chair which was set between conductor and him.

This new concerto for a soloist who plays two instruments on his own was composed out of the conversation between good friends Christophe and Sergey.

Sergey played exchanging his viola for violin in turn during his performance.

"I have given respective roles on viola and violin in order to give a shape to Sergey's idea", Christophe told.

The 1st movement of this concerto was performed at Kioi Hall for the first time in the world.
The 1st and 2nd movement are going to be performed this coming November in Vienna.
All of movements will be premiered on March 11th 2011 in Salzburg.

The orchestra of this day was Toho Gakuen Orchestra conducted by Koichiro Harada.

Sergey looked for Christophe from the stage after the performance. Christophe went up to the stage. The audience and members of orchestra gave warm applause to Sergey and Christophe, a violist and composer.

I knew that Christophe had composed music since the 1st Sendai International Music Competition. I feel great that he has become a magnificent artist.

I told Christophe "I am proud of you".

Unfortunately, taking photos was prohibited during performance. After that I couldn't take pictures with them since I had to go to a reception before they showed up.

Christophe is going to come to Japan to perform as trio. I will post the detail later on this blog.

Christophe Ehrenfellner

Kurihara, SIMC volunteer for PR

An event @ Koryu salon

2010-05-27T19:21:00.000+09:00

I participated in an event introducing Japanese culture on May 24.

I saw people trying Yukata robe, looking at the exhibits, playing with beanbags and Japanese toy, koma.
I made postcards of Sendai Star Festival and Kazakhstan bookmarks out of Origami papers.

The next introducing Japanese culture event @Koryu salon will be on June 15. Just join in. It will be fun.

Another event "Attractive Sendai"must be ATTRACTIVE.

yacco, SIMC volunteer for PR

Results of elimination round; Violin section

2010-05-24T21:42:00.000+09:00

Elimination round of violin section has concluded by announcing 12 contestants who will advance to the semi‐final round.
The list of the contestants is here.

Was it as you expected?
You missed the elimination round? Don't worry. Streaming videos of their performance are available the SIMC site.

Thank all the contestants for giving us wonderful performance!

The schedule of semi‐final round is here.

Chiba, SIMC volunteer staff

Koryu salon

2010-05-23T18:54:00.000+09:00

Let's take a look at a lounge for contestants and audience "Koryu salon". It opens during competition.

This is an entrance of the lounge.

The sign saying "Please feel free to come in".

Ornaments for the Sendai Star Festival in front of the entrance.

A view from the entrance.

It's lunch time! You can buy some light meals and drinks in the lounge.

Works of Origami.

Japanese quiltings.

Japanese toys.

A map. Do you know where the contestants come from?

Information on Sendai.

Why don't you post messages to the contestants?

Let's write your wishes on strips of a paper, hang them on the branches of bamboo.

Forest Park outside of the window.

How about taking a break at the lounge, when you come to the competition?
Please be reminded that there is some space only for contestants.

Chiba, SIMC volunteer staff

Supporting shops information

2010-05-21T23:22:00.001+09:00

Those who have a ticket for the competition can receive a benefits and a discount at the supporting shops. Let's enjoy it!

Chiba, SIMC volunteer staff

The 4th SIMC begins!

2010-05-21T23:17:00.000+09:00

The 4th Sendai International Music Competition starts tomorrow.
The violin section bigins ahead of the piano section.
Elimimation round of the violin section lasts three days.
The schedule is here.

Chiba, SIMC volunteer staff

Concert Information

2010-05-13T16:42:00.000+09:00

Here are the information on concerts of Sergey Malov (The 3rd SIMC contestant for violin section) and Christophe Ehrenfellner (The 1st SIMC contestant for violin section).

5/26/2010(Wed) 18:30-
"Viora Space 2010 Tokyo -concerts celebrating the 25th anniversary of foundation of NTT Finance co."
The first night "Singing Viora"

Performers:
Nobuko Imai, Ryo Sasaki, Tomomi Shinozaki, Yasuhiro Suzuki, Antoine Tamestit, Sergey Malov, Dimitri Murrath(va), Ichiro Nodaira(pf), Toshiko Yonekawa(Japanese harp), Koichiro Harada(cond), and Toho Gakuen Orchestra

play:
Colours of Wind, Toshiko Yonekawa
from "Winterreise" (Winter Journey), F.Schubert
Sonata for Viola No.1, R.Schumann
Chaconne, J.S.Bach
Replica, P.Eötvös
and other works.

* S:¥5,000 A:¥4,000, ticket for 2 nights:¥8,000, for students:¥2,000

5/27/2010(Thu) 18:30-
"Viora Space 2010 Tokyo -concerts celebrating the 25th anniversary of foundation of NTT Finance co."
The second night "Dancing Viora"

Performers:
Nobuko Imai, Ryo Sasaki, Manabu Suzuki, Yasuhiro Suzuki, Antone Tamesti, Sergei Marlov(vn & va), Dimitori Murato(va), Koichiro Harada(cond), and Toho Gakuen Orchestra

play:
Sonata for Viola No.2, J.Brahms
Trio for 3 Violas, L.V.Beethoven
from Concerto for Violin and Viola, C.Ehrenfellner (world premiere)
and other works

* S:¥5,000 A:¥4,000, ticket for 2 nights:¥8,000, for students:¥2,000

Christophe Ehrenfellner

I received an email from Christophe for a while ago. He wrote "I am coming to Japan".

This time Sergey is going to play for the concert, which is one of the prizes for the 1st prize winner of the 1st Tokyo International Viola Competition.
Christophe have worked on this concert for Sergey since last year, and this is going to be premiered for the first time.

Unfortunately for us, they are not coming to Sendai this time. However, I will go to see them and post some pictures on this blog.

The competition in Sendai starts soon.
I am going to enjoy it.

Kurihara, volunteer for PR

Mini concert in the House of Wara(straw) & Excursion to the forest in Akiu

2010-05-11T22:44:00.000+09:00

The House of Wara is called "Akiu Ishigami Yume no Mori" and located in the quiet mountain. People who love arts moved in and create their own works. It is far from the city central, but you can see beautiful scenery here. Why don't you come for a nice walk.

Here is the message and photos from Mrs. Omori, a friend of the organizer of this concert;

These are the photos of one of the concerts at the House of Wara and an afterparty, etc.

Yume no Mori (Forest of dreams) is truly fantastic place which tells us the natural pictures of four seasons and preserves quiet natural settings of mountains. I want many people to know this wonderful place.

As a friend of the organizer, I wanted to support this event. So I decided to offer to the people who come to some light meals and tea at the Omori farm house.
I will let you know later the detailed information, if you join this excursion and concert.

This mini-concert is one of the projects that gives you an opportunity to enjoy the performance by the 4th SIMC contestants outside the competition venue. Each concerts are designed by organizers, so that you can find and experience an interesting concert, even if it is small venue!

Chiba, SIMC volunteer blog team staff

Preliminary training workshop for the audience relations support section

2010-04-27T20:12:00.001+09:00

On 17th, April, we had a workshop for the volunteers for the audience relations support section. It was snowing that day! Surprising because it was spring, a season in bloom of cherry trees.

About the workshop, we had it twice (day and evening) a day. A half of it we mainly learned how we behave at the receptions. After we watched roll playing, separated into some groups and we did roll playing ourselves. When you do this, you get nervous. There were some volunteers acted really good.

Latter part was how to move on the floor of the hall. We learned it with photos and roll playing.

The workshop concluded by self introduction and Q&A.

It finally finished! To me, it passed quickly. Thank all of you, staff and volunteers who prepared this workshop.

The competition opens soon. We maybe a little bit nervous, however, let's get together to make this competition wonderful to everyone, contestants, audience and staff! I am looking forward to seeing lots of smiling face.

N.Y, volunteer for the audience relations support section

Information on event "Happy, Fun, Hina Matsuri(the Doll Festival) in a warehouse"

2010-02-09T08:43:00.003+09:00

Date:from 27th Feb. to 3rd Mar.
Venue:various places in Wakabayashi-ku (for details, please visit http://hwbb.gyao.ne.jp/hsaito-pc/)

I got a pamphlet on this event from my acquaintance.
The Hina dolls passed down from the Tokugawa period are going to be shown.
The pamphlets will come with a special feature.

yacco, SIMC volunteer

Heard Sendai Screening Auditions

2010-02-09T02:06:00.001+09:00

Well, now all screening auditions are over. Now that the 4th SIMC is close at hand, you must be getting excited day by day.

Although it has been weeks since I heard the auditions, I try to write how they were.

I came to Sendai to heard the auditions on 30th January, and it was a first day of auditions of violin section. The atmosphere of the Youth Cultural Centre was different, filled with tensions everywhere.

Every performers were supposed to perform 2 repertoires. Once I started hearing their performance, I realized they played with their own interpretations. As I listened, paying attention to haw they played, I was able to think of not only the process they had taken in practicing but also what they were feeling about their repertoires and the competition. Therefore, I spent good time and it was fascinating.

However, to be honest, I got tired a little because of the tense mood the competition had created. Thank you very much, all the judges, performers, audience and the SIMC staff.

Maybe some performers headed home contented with their performance or unfortunately some maybe not. But I hope I will hear wonderful performance again at the competition which starts 22nd in May.

Again, I had a wonderful experience. It may be a charm of the competition that you can see an another aspect of regular concerts...

かっちゅ, SIMC volunteer