On December 17, students at the Sophia Philharmonic Orchestra received special instruction from world-renowned conductor Leonard Slatkin.
Slatkin, who was in Japan to perform with the NHK Symphony Orchestra, spent around two hours in a practice room on the 7th floor of Building 11 at our university. There, he worked with the orchestra on Beethoven’s Symphony No. 9, which they will perform at their December recital.
This opportunity was made possible by the long-standing bond between the orchestra’s conductor, Takao Kanayama, and Slatkin. Kanayama had previously studied under Slatkin at the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra and maintained a close friendship ever since.
This was Slatkin’s return visit to the university after three years. Despite his busy schedule during his stay in Japan, Slatkin enthusiastically guided the students.
Approximately 100 members rehearsed with a mix of enthusiasm and anticipation for their reunion after three years, further refining their music with the maestro’s guidance.
During the break, Mr. Slatkin was approached by students who gathered around him, requesting autographs and photos, and raising various questions about their performance. The atmosphere became relaxed and friendly, in contrast to the intense rehearsal.
Once the rehearsal wrapped up, Mr. Slatkin delivered a few words to the students.
” During the concert, two things have to happen: 1. Is that you come out and you just have a good time because you know the music. But the other thing, especially with this piece.
When I get up in the morning, and I hit the button on the computer, the first thing I have is the news, and just go its terrible! Theres not any really good day anymore, always something horrible is happening in the world and we find out about it right away.
But! When we come and we do these concerts, not only do we have the music, and what’s Beethoven writing about here? To come together, the spirit of friendship and of all the people that come and hear you, you have a sold out concert!, they want to be taken out of the world. They want to forget about their computers, they want to forget about the news, for 65 mins. And that’s important! That we are able to do that. That we can make life better for a little while, for everybody.
So.. many of you will possibly become musicians, many of you, might not, do something else doctor, lawyer, whatever it is. But while you are playing music, believing that there is no better thing to do in the world, to come together and do this, because no other profession does this!! Its fantastic!
So please love the time that you are doing it, and my spirit will be with you at the concert ! And i want you to have a good time, and just enjoy. “
With this message in their hearts, the Orchestra delivered a sold-out performance at Suntory Hall on December 21st. Their music embodied the “power of people coming together” that Slatkin mentioned, bringing warmth to the hearts of everyone in attendance.
Feedback from Members Who Received Instruction
Cello Section: Saeki Konagai (first year, Faculty of Science and Technology）
In Professor Slatkin’s practice sessions, we were given time to thoroughly consider our understanding of music before playing any notes. Having started orchestra in university, I found the idea of understanding the composer’s intent and incorporating it into my performance very invigorating. This approach fostered an awareness of bringing life to each individual note. During ensemble playing, I considered how my sound fit within the whole by playing while sensing the conductor’s cues and the surrounding sound. Furthermore, by listening to the surrounding sounds while playing rather than focusing solely on my part, I truly experienced how the music comes together as a whole orchestra. Through Professor Slatkin’s guidance, I came to feel that music isn’t about pursuing perfection but about sharing joy and connection. This invaluable experience will profoundly influence my future performances and approach to music. I intend to cherish this lesson in my future practice and performances.