Conductor:
Shigeru Genda, Honorary Conductor of the Kanagawa Philharmonic Orchestra
Concert Program:
Verdi: Opera “Evening Prayer in Sicily” Overture
Naotada Otaka: Flute Concerto in A major (Solo: Seiya Ueno)
Shostakovich: Symphony No.5 “Revolution”
Sibelius: Finlandia (encore)

The “40th Toyota Youth Orchestra Camp (TYOC)” was held in Matsue- city, Shimane, Japan.
NPO-WFAO supported the event by assisting with the invitation of international participants.
Overcoming the challenges posed by the pandemic, this commemorative concert saw the addition of 12 international members, including first-time participants from Belgium.
The concert was held at the Shimane Civic Center; the concert delivered stirring performances that deeply moved the audience.
This concert marked a new chapter for TYOC, fostering joy and unity among young musicians from around the world.
There is great anticipation for the future activities of TYOC and its growing international exchanges.

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  International Members

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  Rehearsal

The theme for this special TYOC was “Re-Tutti,” and it symbolized “enjoying the moment of playing together with colleagues to the fullest” and “savoring the happiness of being able to make music again as the pandemic settles.”
Participants from Korea, Taiwan, Singapore, Philippines, and Belgium came together, initially uncertain about what to expect and not knowing how TYOC orchestra usually sounded.

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  Viola Section Rehearsal

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  Lunch and talking a walk at Matsue Castle

The Belgian members (VLAMO), participating for the first time, expressed initial anxieties, particularly regarding the lack of interpretation and fellow-up during rehearsals that they were not able to understand instructions.
However, as time progressed, participants began to unite and communication started to improve, leading to the remarkable performance as if it were performed by a completely different orchestra.

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  Social gathering

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  Overseas participants at the social gathering

After three days of rehearsals, the final performance took place.
The performance of Shostakovich’s Symphony No.5 (“Revolution”) represented TYOC’s overcoming of struggles and foreshadowed a brilliant future for the orchestra.
The concert concluded with resounding applause and emotional farewells, symbolizing cross-border friendships and the power of music.
This shared experience filled participants with hope and determination for future challenges, ensuring TYOC’s continued growth.

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The 40th TYOC concluded successfully; the focus now shifts to expanding youth engagement. As remote work becomes more prevalent, communication methods are evolving.
Adapting to these changes while shaping the future of TYOC is crucial. This commemorative event reaffirmed the joy of sharing music in the same space and time.
We hope TYOC continues to grow as a platform for youth interaction through music, fostering global connections and mutual growth.
Looking ahead, we aim to establish new forms of international exchange and communication, connecting young people worldwide through the power of music.

*Report written by the participant from Belgium is available (PDF file).