Report on the 53rd Amateur Orchestra Festival in Fukui (Hosted by JAO)
Dates: Friday, September 12 – Sunday, September 14, 2025
Venue: Harmony Hall Fukui
*Orchestra A
Conductor: Kenshiro Sakairi
Concert Master: Mayuko Ishigami
Concert Program: Rimsky-Korsakov: Scheherazade, Symphonic Suite
*Orchestra B
Conductor: Masahiro Izaki
Concert Master: George Babuadze
Organ: Kensuke Ohira
Concert Program: Saint-Saens: Symphony No.3 “Organ Symphony”
The 53rd Amateur Orchestra Festival in Fukui, hosted by JAO, took place from Friday, September 12, to Sunday, September 14, 2025 at Harmony Hall Fukui located in Fukui City, Fukui Prefecture.
A total of 10 international participants from China (Beijing and Shanghai), South Korea, Singapore, and Taiwan and 9 participants from Germany’s BDLO joined the festival. Together with the Japanese participants, they formed two combined orchestras.
Here is a report on the four vibrant days celebrating the passion of amateur orchestras in Fukui.
September 11: International Participants Arrive – Welcome to Fukui!
After a long and intensely hot summer in 2025, 19 international participants arrived in Fukui City on September 11, the day before the opening ceremony. A “Welcome Party” was held from 6:00 PM.
After welcoming addresses from the Chairpersons of both NPO-WFAO and JAO, a grand toast was made to celebrate the successful start of the festival.
Welcome Party: Opening address by the Chairperson of NPO-WFAO
Filled with the joy of new encounters and high expectations for the days ahead.
September 12: Festival Commences with Superb Operation by the Host Orchestra!
On the morning of the 12th, all international participants visited Eiheiji Temple, an ancient and profound temple in Fukui. The venerable atmosphere of this temple, often called “the most rigorous training ground in Japan,” seemed to leave a deep impression on the international participants.
Lunch featured the local specialty, Echizen Soba (buckwheat noodles), before everyone proceeded to the Opening Ceremony.
Group photo at the solemn Eiheiji Temple
Trying the definitive Japanese dish: Echizen Soba.
The JAO Festival is held once a year, rotating among various locations across Japan, with the local orchestra serving as the host. The host this year, the Fukui Symphony Orchestra, demonstrated remarkable organizational skills, warm hospitality, and care in every detail. Many international participants expressed high praise and sincere gratitude for their excellent management.
The venue, Harmony Hall Fukui, is a renowned hall, being the only Japanese venue featured in the “25 Most Beautiful Concert Halls in the World.” It boasts an exceptional organ that was highly praised by the festival organist, Mr. Kensuke Ohira.
The three-day festival officially began, bringing together approximately 250 participants from across Japan and the world.
Tapestries and dinosaurs greeting visitors at Fukui Station
A world-class, magnificent concert hall
The festival is underway at the “Opening Ceremony”
Introduction of international participants at the “Opening Ceremony”
This year’s festival featured two orchestras, Orchestra A and Orchestra B. Each alternated between full orchestra rehearsals and sectional practices for strings, and winds and percussion under the guidance of conductors and guest concertmasters, gradually achieving a unified sound.
Rehearsal of Orchestra A
Rehearsal of Orchestra B
Following the productive rehearsals, the traditional Part-Specific Get-Together was held. Conversation flowed easily among musicians sharing the same instrument, deepening friendships and exchange with the international participants. Sharing the joy of new encounters and the excitement for the performances ahead, the warm night in Fukui gently drew to a close.
Rehearsal for the day concluded
Part-Specific Get-Together: Violin Section
September 13: A Day Dedicated to Rehearsal, Orchestra Unity at its Max!
The second day of the festival was dedicated entirely to rehearsals. Like the previous day, full rehearsals in the hall were held in parallel with sectional rehearsals for strings, and winds and percussion.
The rehearsal time flew by, a testament to how fulfilling and enjoyable the sessions were. Distinct characteristics were already beginning to emerge in both orchestras. Maestro Izaki’s quiet remark at the end—“It’s a shame the fun rehearsal time is over…” resonated deeply with everyone’s hearts.
String Section Rehearsal of Orchestra A
Rehearsal of Orchestra B
International participants of Orchestra A, enjoying their pre-concert lunchbox
A delicious lunchbox with a rich selection of local specialties
At the Official Reception which started at 6:30PM, Her Imperial Highness Princess Takamado, Honorary President of JAO, graciously offered words of encouragement, greatly inspiring all participants.
The evening reached its height when Fukui’s beloved mascot “Hapiryu” made a cheerful appearance, heightening excitement for the next day’s concerts.
At the Official Reception
International participants with “Hapiryu”
September 14: A Moving Finale – Total Commitment from All Participants!
With the attendance of Her Imperial Highness Princess Takamado, the concert hall was abuzz with excitement and anticipation.
Orchestra A, the first to perform, was led by a young conductor and guest concertmaster. The audience was captivated by the orchestra’s bold and energetic performance and the delicate, expressive violin solo.
Orchestra A
Orchestra A
Orchestra B followed, under the direction of an experienced conductor and guest concertmaster, delivering a profound and resonant symphony. The organ—fine-tuned the day before—resonated with divine brilliance throughout the hall, and the applause continued long after the final chord faded.
Orchestra B
Orchestra B
Backstage, participants congratulated one another and expressed gratitude, with no sense of difference in nationality, age, or gender—a truly moving scene.
Everyday life resumed the following day.
A profound question posed by Maestro Sakairi at the reception, “What exactly is an amateur orchestra?”, remains a central theme that NPO-WFAO is committed to continuing to explore with sincerity.
Finally, we extend our heartfelt gratitude to all who made this festival possible—the members of the Fukui Symphony Orchestra, and especially the international participants who joined from afar.
Listening to fellow performance from the audience
Passing the festival flag to next year’s host city
