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  Overview of the venue

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  Welcome speech by Goro Kamino (President of NPO-WFAO)

“World Amateur Orchestra Forum in Shizuoka 2022” was held under the host of NPO-WFAO with the participation of 10 overseas countries on Saturday, September 3, 2022. Under the main theme of “Universality of Orchestra: Toward a New Horizon,” a long and fruitful discussion was held on orchestral activities and international exchange activities that were suspended due to the Covid-19 pandemic, and on the social role of orchestras and their future activities.

Part 1 “Education utilizing orchestra”

In Part 1, Dr. Duncan Wambugu (Lecturer, Department of Music and Dance at Kenyatta University and Music Director of Safaricom Youth Orchestra), from Kenya, gave a keynote speech on the theme of “Orchestral Music Education in Kenya,” which was followed by a panel discussion.

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  <Part 1> Keynote speech by Dr. Duncan Miano Wambugu

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  <Part 1> Panel Discussion

[YouTube video Part 1 (75 min.)]

Part 2 “Orchestral activities and their connection with society”

In Part 2, Ms. Elena Rahona (Founding Executive Director, The New York Late-Starters String Orchestra), from the U.S. gave a keynote speech on the theme of “Music for the Joy of it” followed by a panel discussion on the theme of “The Connection between Orchestra Activities and Society”. A panel discussion followed on the connection between orchestral activities and society.

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  <Part 2> Keynote speech by Ms.Elena Rahona

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  <Part 2> Panel Discussion

[YouTube video Part 2 (72 min.)]

Part 3 “Amateur Orchestra Activities for the Next Generation”

In Part 3, youth players from five countries participated to open the forum with a youthful and refreshing performance. This was followed by a panel discussion on the theme of “Amateur Orchestra Activities for the Next Generation,” where the significance of amateur orchestra activities and international exchange activities, and dreams and prospects for the future were passionately discussed.

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  <Part 3> Musical performances by youth participants

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  <Part 3> Panel Discussion

[YouTube video Part 3 (63 min.)]

The forum was covered by professional simultaneous interpreters which enabled the smooth and enthusiastic discussion without any stress caused by the time lag of language barriers.

The forum was also graced by the presence of Her Imperial Highness Princess Hisako Takamado, Governor Heita Kawakatsu of Shizuoka Prefecture, and many other distinguished guests, and the entire venue was filled with warmth and elegance.
We would like to express our deepest gratitude to everyone involved, and we at NPO-WFAO will continue to strive for activities that the world needs, without losing sight of the essence of cultural exchange.