【My Music Activity report】From September to December 2023
(*This article is translated that was written in Japanese in December 2023.)
Hello everyone. As we approach the end of 2023, how have you all been doing? This year has been quite eventful for me, especially in the latter half. There were both incredibly positive and negative events that swiftly passed like a storm, making each day feel fleeting.
For those reading this who might not be aware, let me briefly explain. I am currently studying in the master's program at a music university in Belgium. However, around August this year, when I was transitioning from my bachelor's to the master's program, financial issues arose within my family. It reached a point where I might have had to return home indefinitely. At that time, on a personal level, I initiated a crowdfunding campaign to seek support for tuition fees. I was incredibly grateful to receive warm support from numerous individuals. Thanks to that support, I managed to secure my tuition fees for the year and continue my studies. This article serves the purpose of providing an update on the activities to those who supported me through crowdfunding or in various personal ways throughout this year.
September
LUCA Chamber Orchestra
The first major project of the 2023-2024 season was the chamber orchestra at my conservatry. I had the privilege of playing in the front row of second violin, and it was incredibly educational. One of the highlights from the program was Mozart's Sinfonia Concertante for Violin and Viola. It's a piece brimming with Mozart's signature elegance and nobility, and it happens to be one of my personal favorites, so I was very happy to get the opportunity to play it in the orchestra. The soloists were two of my friends the conservatory, both exceptional musicians, and they did a fantastic performance.
October
Brussels Philharmonic Orchestra
Unfortunately, I can't post the link here, but I've shared some posts on my Facebook from the orchestra's account, so you can find from there. I've played Dvořák's Symphony No. 8 a few times before, but I was always on first violin. This time, I was playing on second violin, it was a fantastic learning experience for me.
Limbrugs Jeugd Sinfonie Orkest
DM on Instagram led me to participate in this project. Rehearsals and the concert took place in Maastricht, Netherlands, which meant a bit of a trek every weekend, but since it was my first time in Maastricht, I was excited to be there for rehearsals. In this project, we performed Dvořák's Symphony No. 9 and Mendelssohn's Violin Concerto. Interestingly, the concerts of the aforementioned BPO and this project were for 2 days in a row, so it became Dvořák's music weekend for me.
November
Background Music Performance at the Ceremony in Sint-Truiden
It's not something enormous to write about, but I was invited by an acquaintance to perform at the ceremony for the World War I Armistice Day in Sint-Truiden City. It was an outdoor event, so I was worried about rain, but fortunately, the weather was good that day (though it was quite cold, which made it tough). Playing the violin at a cemetery was an unusual experience, and I found it quite interesting in its own way.
Brussels Philharmonic Orchestra
I was graciously invited again by the orchestra I performed with in October, and I gladly accepted. It was a surprise to be playing Mendelssohn's Violin Concerto again so soon after the Maastricht project. Switching from first violin last month to second violin this time within a short period was an incredible learning experience for me. Beethoven's Symphony No. 3 was something I played with Youth Orchestra Flanders back in March, but I had struggled with it back then, leaving a sense of unfinished business within me. Considering my previous experience, being able to tackle it again was very satisfying.
LUCA Strings
November was incredibly busy with several significant projects, and one of them was the string ensemble project at my conservatory. This year, the program was quite challenging, featuring Tchaikovsky's Serenade for Strings, Bartók's Divertimento for String Orchestra, and a new composition by a student from the conservatory's composition department. While I had previous experience playing Tchaikovsky, but I was for the first time to play Bartók's piece and the new composition, that was quite difficult, the rehearsals were intense. Lately, I've been encountering more contemporary pieces like these new compositions, delving into modern works, which has opened up a whole new world for me.
Moreover, as part of outreach activities, we performed a reducted program in nearby town churches on Sunday mornings, not just confined to the conservatory concert hall.
Mahler Student Festival Orchestra
The most significant performance in November was Mahler Student Festival Orchestra. I had participated in the launch concert of this orchestra in March 2023, performing Mahler's Symphony No. 2. This time, I had the opportunity to join them again for the project. Alongside Mahler's Symphony No. 9, we performed a new composition written for the orchestra as a prelude.
It's rare to be able to take part of such stimulating projects where students challenge themselves with large-scale compositions like Mahler. I cherish this connection and hope to continue it. Next year, there are plans for concerts featuring Bruckner's Symphony No. 9 and Beethoven's Symphony No. 9 (*although my participation depends on scheduling).
December
Atelier Concert
While not an official concert, through another fortunate connection, I had the opportunity to perform a closed concert at the wonderful atelier of a painter named Laurence. It was my first time performing in a setting resembling a salon concert and also my first duo with a harpsichord, so it was filled with unfamiliar elements. Despite this, I thoroughly enjoyed the experience and felt immensely delighted to perform within such a warm and welcoming atmosphere. While I do enjoy larger projects like orchestras, I hope to have more opportunities for chamber music concerts in such intimate settings in the future.
Afterword
I've written quite a lengthy piece, but since entering the new season, I've had the privilege of participating in numerous projects and concerts. It reaffirmed how blessed I am to have such meaningful connections with people. Over these past four years, I've felt incredibly fortunate to have met and connected with people, both locals and Japanese alike. Even when I faced the possibility of having to completely return to Japan, my violin teacher and many friends and acquaintances expressed concern and supported me in exploring ways to continue my studies in Belgium. Their support has been a significant source of strength for me.
In 2024, I hope to make even greater strides by one step at a time to build my efforts. I aim to cherish each day, striving to give back through music to many people in my own way. I'd like to express my gratitude to everyone who has been a part of my journey in 2023. Here's to a great 2024! Thank you very much everyone!
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