“In the paradigm shift of norms in our daily life, people from time to time feel the “thirst.” This “thirst” is only the source of energy that can break through the colorless and terrifying everyday life.”

• 

It was in February this year, when the novel coronavirus infection spread on the cruise ship moored at the port in Japan became a news. Since then, the world situation has changed drastically due to the pandemic that continues today, and all activities of NPO-WFAO had to be canceled and restricted.

We, NPO-WFAO have been posting series titled on the website, encouraging our friends in Asia who continued their music activities in the midst of anxiety and feeling of entrapment covering the whole world.

Because we are unable to hold any activities, we believed it is important to introspect and deeply explore the essence and significance of our activities. We started posting the series of “The Activity Theory for Amateur Orchestras” by Motoyasu Morishita, with a hope that this will become a compass for new creativity toward post corona.

Readers who have read the series might have already noticed that Motoyasu Morishita continued to advocate that amateur orchestra is purely a linchpin for the cultural activity in the society, and not just a hobby, taste, nor a show off. Rather than making improvement of skills and perfection as the first principle, Morishita aimed for making the “harmony” between people and sought for discipline of accomplishing humanity in the great form of community, orchestra by fully understanding the philosophy, history, and the rich culture behind the music. We believe Morishita’s words do and will continue to illuminate every steps of our persistent effort.

Tokihiko Umezu, a music critic evaluated the music performed by Motoyasu Morishita as follows.
“Professor Morishita often sought the colors of a “Collection of Ancient and Modern Poetry” in expressing the colors of the orchestra. He has done it so naturally, knowing that broadening the perspective of art itself is essential to blend with other form of art. Professor Morishita must have been pursuing the unimaginable idea of unifying the identity of Japanese literary expression with the identity of European music expression.”

We appreciate all readers of the series. In the last series of this year, we would like to share with all of you as the [Special Edition], Rachmaninoff’s “Vocalise” by Toyohashi Symphony Orchestra, conducted by Motoyasu Morishita. Before starting the performance, Morishita conveyed the following message to the audience. “Whenever I think of the people, my heart is filled up with warmth. I would like to perform this piece as I send out my heart to the beloved and supportive people.”

What Morishita valued the most were the encounter, the bond, and the warmth among people. No matter how much the coronavirus crisis restricts people’s coming together, NPO-WFAO will continue to aim for activities that will connect and bring people’s hearts together.

We sincerely hope that the year 2021 will be full of smiles for all musicians in the world. We would like to conclude this year’s series with a quiet prayer.
We truly hope that you will continue to read our series next year.

December 30, 2020
NPO-WFAO