Source: The Organizing Committee of the 3rd Tokyo Sakura International Choral Festival
Written by Huang Chengyang
The 3rd Tokyo Sakura International Choral Competition will be held on April 2, 2024 at Tokyo Opera City. In addition to 10 choir groups in Japan and 3 overseas groups, 3 specially invited Japan groups will be added to the competition, for a total of 16 teams. Here are the teams that participated (in no particular order):
Mu Xin Chinese School Xinmiao Art Troupe
The "new" in Mutsushin Chinese Language School "Shinmiao Art Troupe" is taken from the name of the school, and the "nae" symbolizes the lively and cute children who study at the school. Through their songs and dances, these children are striving to convey to the world the eternal history and culture of their homeland and the prosperous and developing modern world.
The children of the Shinnae Art Troupe are the small emissaries of friendly exchanges between China and Japan in this way. Music encourages people to interact and interact, and singing conveys friendship between people.
Jasmine Women's Choir
The Jasmine Women's Choir was founded in December 2007 by overseas Chinese and Chinese women who love singing. This choir includes not only overseas Chinese women but also Japan women. I mainly perform songs from China and Japan, and I also challenge myself to sing songs from all over the world. The troupe consists of about 25 members, ranging in age from their 50s to 80s, and has participated in the annual choir festival held in Yokohama and has participated in overseas performances in the past.
Huashi Yunshu School Teenagers and Girls Chorus
Japan Kasei Art School was established in Tokyo in 2018 and has opened more than 15 classrooms in the Kanto region to educate and promote Chinese art in Japan. As an arts organization of Chinese residents in Japan, the teachers and students of the school have participated in Japan and international art exchange events and contests to promote artistic and cultural exchange.
The Children's Choir of the Kaze Art School was just established this year and is composed mainly of students from two classrooms in Ikebukuro and Nishikawaguchi. We hope to convey the happiness and friendship of children to China and Japan by singing beautiful songs in Chinese and Japanese.
Japan Overseas Chinese Choral Association Choir
Japan Overseas Chinese Choral Association Choir was established on a temporary basis to celebrate the 3rd Tokyo International Cherry Blossom Chorus Festival. The members are made up of choirs, all of whom love the art of choral singing very much and enjoy the happiness that comes from singing, harmonious melodies and perfect coordination, despite their busy schedules. The members convey their emotions with a passionate chorus and aim to entertain the audience. Although it was a temporary formation, the members of the Tokyo International Cherry Blossom Chorus Festival have deepened their friendship through singing through this connection.
Japan Chinese Children's Choir
At the beginning of the establishment of the Japan Chinese Children's Voice Choir, it provided a specialized, pluralistic, and internationalized children's voice choir for Chinese youth in Japan. Singing songs stimulates children's desire for knowledge, cultivates children's aesthetic feelings, enhances children's self-confidence, enriches children's growth and development, and achieves the purpose of music education. I also hope that the choir will enhance the musical skills of Chinese youth, and at the same time, that young children living in Japan will be able to do more through choir.
Yu Yu Choir
Established in March 2018, the Yu Yu Shinkyoku Choir is an amateur choir consisting mainly of overseas Chinese living in Japan. Based in Kawasaki City, we use local music schools and other facilities to practice choir and hold regular and irregular stage presentation events, mainly on weekends. In addition, since the outbreak of the new coronavirus, we have been using remote online classes and actively incorporating the practice of cloud chorus. We hold presentations at the end of each year and hold multicultural exchange events in the local area. In addition, we hold music camps in Chiba, Yamanashi, and other places, and focus on improving the skills of our members and engaging in social exchange activities. In addition to the chorus, we will deepen your bond through cherry blossom viewing in spring and autumn leaf hunting in autumn.
Tongyuan Chinese School Choir
Tongyuan Chinese Language School Choir was established in 2013. It is a fun group knitted by children who love music, song, and art, such as overseas Chinese children in Japan and Japan children who like Chinese, under the strict guidance of Ms. Zhu Manling. Bilingual children in Chinese and Japanese are good at singing and dancing, bringing more glorious times to China-Japan friendship and building bridges between China and Japan.
In April 2018 and April 2019, she participated in two Cherry Blossom International Choral Festivals, where she won the Silver Prize and the Best Nursery Voice Award. We also participated in events such as the Kawaguchi City Choral Festival and the Kawaguchi Tatara Cultural Festival.
Teachers' chorus of the Japanese Association for Chinese Education
On September 10, 2023, Teachers' Day, teachers from each member school of the Japan Chinese Education Association gathered together to form the Japan Chinese Education Association Teachers' Choir. Through singing, we inherit culture, enhance cultivation, transmit positive energy, and promote physical and mental health.
I would like to put my singing voice on my wings, pay tribute to life through music, convey my passion for education, and devote myself to Chinese language education in Japan.
Peony Choir
The Peony Choir is a mixed choir of Chinese residents in Japan, which was born in Kawaguchi City, Saitama Prefecture in 2009, and has more than 40 members. For the past 15 years, we have sung with the common belief and desire of the members to "contribute to society and make people happy" in our singing voices. I have been participating in the annual Kawaguchi City Choral Festival for the past 10 years. The Peony Choir, the only foreign group invited, has provided Japan with a window to learn about China through their singing voices, and has served as a bridge of friendship between Japan and China. In addition, the Peony Choir has participated in cultural performances organized by overseas Chinese organizations, such as "The Great Chorus of the Yellow River," "Spring and Evening," and "Tokyo Tower Chugoku Hong," adding color to the cultural life of Chinese residents in Japan. Since 2017, the Peony Choir has stepped out into the world, singing in Dubai, South Africa, Haikou, China, Vienna, Austria, and Frankfurt, Germany. The Peony Choir will continue to work hard and sing proudly for a wonderful tomorrow.
【Overseas Team】
France Zhejiang Chamber of Commerce Dance Team
Established in 2013 in Paris, France, Zhejiang Chamber of Commerce Dance Team is a dance team made up of overseas Chinese living in France, whose purpose is to train the body, cultivate emotions, and spread Chinese culture. Liu Changhong serves as the team captain.
Since its establishment, through the enthusiastic guidance of teachers and the serious learning of students, it has gradually developed its own style and good performances. In this year's choir competition, we are planning to perform the Tibetan dance "Langla Mountain Love", so please look forward to it.
Washington Yellow River Theatre
Founded in 1994, the Yellow River Art Ensemble is a non-political, non-profit arts organization voluntarily formed by music and art enthusiasts living in Washington and the surrounding area, with more than 80 members. Our members come from all walks of life and are active in their respective fields. Sun Tong Tao is the head of the art troupe.
Founded with the aim of "meeting friends through song and deepening affection through song," the Yellow River Performing Arts Troupe has played an important role in enriching the cultural life of local music and art lovers and promoting cultural and artistic exchange between China and the United States.
St. Louis Yangtze River Performing Arts
Founded in November 2015, the St. Louis Yangtze River Arts is a not-for-profit arts organization. It is made up of people who are passionate about culture and the arts and have been active in the St. Louis arts and culture stage for many years. The purpose of the establishment of the organization is to actively promote Chinese culture and enrich the culture of the local community. Huang Yuan is the head of the chorus department of the art troupe.
Under the guidance of Mr. Hu Yan, a professional director, the chorus club has been sticking to vocal practice for a long time and preparing for large-scale concerts. Through a series of performances, it has built a platform for overseas Chinese in the St. Louis area and surrounding states to interact and promote each other.
[Special Invitation Team]
Sumida Boys and Girls Choir
The Sumida Boys and Girls Choir was formed in 1985 with the aim of fostering children's rich emotions, independence, and sociality through choral singing, and to nurture human resources who will contribute to the cultural community development of the music city of Sumida. Currently, members from the third grade of elementary school to the third year of high school practice under the guidance of experts, volunteer to appear at regular concerts, various concerts, and local events, and engage in a wide range of activities to become familiar with the local Sumida Ward.
Chorus 団の指揮者 Koda Jun は東京音楽 University Composition Department T卒で、Ifukube Akira, Arima Reiko, Ikeno Narito の各氏に師事。 Currently, he is a member of the Japan Composers Association and the Japan Contemporary Musical Association.
The chorus is led by soprano singer Mariko Yumita, who graduated from the vocal department of Senzoku College of Music. Piano accompaniment is provided by Shigemi Arai and Akiko Noda.
Ansanburu "Popeye"
It is a male choir based in Kasukabe City in the eastern part of Saitama Prefecture. Immersed in the charm of the brave and delicate male chorus, friends in their 40s to 70s gather at the practice venue on Sunday evenings. A banquet called a post-practice reflection meeting is indispensable.
Her repertoire includes Sea Shanty, Negro spirituals, choral suites, folk songs, nursery rhymes and choral songs. He has held seven solo concerts so far, and has appeared at the Saitama Prefecture Choral Festival, the Kasukabe City Choral Festival, and the Otosan Chorus Festival. Since 2001, he has participated in the Saitama Prefecture Vocal Ensemble Contest, and in 2005 he won the long-awaited Gold Award. It won its second gold medal in 2013 and its third gold medal in 2016.
Ensemble Coticor
Ensemble Coticor is an ensemble group of female voices and piano, formed in 2011 and active mainly in Tokyo and the surrounding area. COTIOL is an acronym for "cup of tea in our lives," and started its activities after visiting temporary evacuation centers after the Great East Japan Earthquake.
Each of them also performs as a soloist, but they are also members of the Tokyo Ladies Singers, one of the few professional female choirs in the world, and have been performing together for a long time. He has a reputation for his transparent voice, harmony, and heartfelt performances that value lyrics. He has performed at events and concerts in various places.
As the only concert hall in Japan selected as one of the "10 Best Concert Halls in the World" by the British newspaper The Guardian, we will deliver the inspiring singing voices of these wonderful teams to everyone at the Tokyo Opera City Concert Hall. Stay tuned!
(March 2024)
【Introduction of the Judges of the Choir Competition】
Chinese and Japanese musicians join forces to gather at the Opera City
Author: Huang Chengyang
The 3rd Tokyo Sakura International Choral Festival will be held on April 2, 2024 at Tokyo Opera City. The festival invited famous music producer Jiang Ling, Tokyo Philharmonic Orchestra leader Kyoichi Ishimaru, House of Representatives member Tomoko Ukishima, representative director of Aimondo Co., Ltd. Ayuko Matsuda, and famous Japanese singer Choi Zongbao as judges.
The 3rd Tokyo Sakura International Choral Competition will be held on April 2, 2024 at Tokyo Opera City. This year, five judges have been invited as judges: renowned music producer Jiang Ryo, Tokyo Philharmonic Orchestra director Kyoichi Ishimaru, House of Representatives member Tomoko Ukishima, CEO of Imond Co., Ltd. Tomoko Matsuda, and famous singer Choi Jong-ho in Japan.
Jiang Ling (Special Guest Judge)
He is a well-known music producer, senior performing arts agent, editor, and judge of the National Arts Fund.
He is the main founder and the first managing director of CP International Music Production Center, the first Sino-foreign joint venture in China. He used to be the editor-in-chief of the International Cultural Exchange Audio-visual Publishing House, the managing director of China International Culture and Art Co., Ltd., and the deputy secretary-general of the China International Cultural Exchange Center.
He has won the Top Ten Outstanding Contribution Award for Chinese Performances, the Special Contribution Award for Influential Figures in China's Pop Music Scene, the Music Producer of China's Golden Record, the National Top 100 Publishing Workers, and the Top Ten Honest Agents in the Capital.
Distinguished music producers, senior performing arts agents, and editorial reviewers; Jury member of the National Arts Foundation.
He is the founder and first president of the Zhengda International Music Production Center, China's first Sino-foreign joint venture. He has served as editor-in-chief of the International Cultural Exchange Audiovisual Publishing House, managing director of China International Culture and Arts Co., Ltd., and deputy secretary-general of the China Center for International Cultural Exchange.
He has won the top 10 outstanding contribution awards in China performances, the special contribution award of Chinese pop singers, the top 100 music producers of Chinese gold records, the top 100 in the Chinese publishing industry, the top 10 sincere brokers in the capital and so on.
Kyoichi Ishimaru
Executive Director of the Tokyo Philharmonic Orchestra and Orchestra Leader. Graduated from Musashino University of Music, majoring in instrumental music. He joined the ABC Symphony Orchestra from his student days and began playing as a timpani player. In 1971, he went to study at the Berlin State University of Music. After returning to Japan, he joined the Tokyo Philharmonic Orchestra in 1973 as a performer. After that, he participated in the operation and management of the foundation, and successively served as the assistant secretary-general, permanent director, special director and orchestra director of the foundation. In addition, he is the executive director of the Kanagawa Art Foundation and the executive director of the Karuizawa Oga Concert Hall.
Executive Director and Orchestra Leader of the Tokyo Philharmonic Orchestra, and graduated from the Department of Instrumental Music at Musashino University of Music. While still in school, he joined the ABC Symphony Orchestra and began performing as a timpani player.
In 1971, he studied at the Hochschule für Musik in Berlin. After returning to Japan, he joined the Tokyo Philharmonic Orchestra in 1973 and continued his activities as a musician before being involved in the management of the foundation as a secretariat member.
He has served as Assistant to the Foundation's Executive Director, Executive Director, Executive Director, and Orchestra Leader. In addition to serving as Executive Director of the Kanagawa Arts Foundation, he is also the Executive Director of Karuizawa Oga Hall.
Tomoko Ukishima
Japanese politician, former ballet dancer, is currently a member of the House of Representatives of the Komeito Party. He has served as a member of the House of Councillors, a member of the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology, a Cabinet Office Administrator and Environmental Minister, a Cabinet Office Vice-Minister and Vice-Minister of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology, and Chairman of the General Affairs Committee of the House of Representatives. He also participated in the Japan-China Friendship Parliamentarians Alliance, served as an officer of the Japan-Korea Parliamentarians Alliance, and served as vice chairman of the Future Committee.
日本のpolitician、元バレリーナ。 Member of the House of Representatives, to which the Komeito Party belongs. Member of the House of Councillors, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology, Parliamentary Secretary to the Cabinet Office and Minister of the Environment, Vice-Minister of the Cabinet Office and Vice-Minister of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology, and Chairman of the House of Representatives He is a member of the Japan-China Friendship Parliamentarians Alliance, an officer of the Japan-Korea Parliamentarians Alliance, and a vice chairman of the Future Committee.
Ayuko Matsuda
Representative director of Aimonda Co., Ltd. He was the head of the Public Relations Department of the Tokyo Philharmonic Orchestra. After graduating with honors in piano and organ at the Faculty of Music, Living Water Women's University, she worked as a planner and public relations officer for the Nagaoka Arts and Culture Foundation and the Tokyo Philharmonic Orchestra. After being operated by Japan Post and the management of the co-creation platform company, he returned to the Tokyo Philharmonic Orchestra in 2013. As the head of public relations and publicity, he has presided over the promotion of large-scale commemorative events such as the 100th anniversary of the Tokyo Philharmonic Orchestra's world tour, the 50th anniversary of the normalization of diplomatic relations between Japan and South Korea, and the 45th anniversary of the normalization of diplomatic relations between Japan and China. In 2018, he established Amendo Co., Ltd. and served as its representative director.
Representative Director of Almond Co., Ltd. Former Director of Public Relations and External Affairs of the Tokyo Philharmonic Orchestra. After graduating at the top of her class from the Department of Piano and Organ, Faculty of Music, Katsumizu Women's University, she was in charge of planning and public relations at the Nagaoka City Foundation for the Promotion of Arts and Culture and the Tokyo Philharmonic. After working at Japan Post Co., Ltd. and IGPI, Inc. (IGPI), he returned to the Tokyo Philharmonic in 2013. As the chief of public relations and external affairs for the "100th Anniversary World Tour," "50th Anniversary of the Normalization of Diplomatic Relations between Japan and South Korea," and "45th Anniversary of the Normalization of Diplomatic Relations between Japan and China," he has been in charge of public relations around the world and negotiations with organizers and sponsors. In 2018, he established Almond Co., Ltd. and is currently in his current position.
Cui Zongbao
He is a famous singer in Japan and a member of the Japan Vocalists Association. After graduating from the Music Department of Capital Normal University in the 80s, he went to Japan to study and in 1994, he entered Tokyo University of the Arts, Japan's highest music institution, to pursue a master's degree with honors. After graduation, he participated in many operas such as "Carmen", "Macbeth" and "La Traviata". He has held many concerts in Japan and has been highly praised by local audiences.
He is a famous singer in Japan and a member of the Japan Vocalists Association. After graduating from the Faculty of Music at Capital Normal University in the 1980s, he studied abroad in Japan, and in 1994 entered the graduate school of Tokyo University of the Arts, one of the highest levels in Japan, and obtained a master's degree with excellent grades. After graduating, she appeared in many operas such as "Carmen," "Macbeth," and "La Traviata." He has held many concerts in various parts of Japan and received high praise from audiences.
The above five judges not only have a high social status, but also have a high music appreciation ability and profound artistic attainments, and their on-the-spot comments will add highlights to this year's choral festival, so please look forward to it.
The above five judges not only have a very high social status, but also have a high appreciation for music and a deep artistic background, and their venue judging will add a highlight to this competition.
Host
Japan Overseas Chinese Choral Association
Japan Chinese Literature Education Association
Almond Corporation
support
Cultural Affairs Department, Embassy of Japan in China
Kyō-hsien
All Japan Overseas Chinese Society United Association
Japan Jilin General Chamber of Commerce
Asia Pacific Tourism Co., Ltd.
Chiyoda Education Group Jinan University Japanese School
French Zhejiang Chamber of Commerce Dance Team
Chorus of St. Louis Yangtze River Arts Ensemble in the United States
Yellow River Art Troupe, Washington, USA
Tongyuan Chinese School
Muxin Chinese School
Wah Le Fong Art School
Huashi School of the Arts
Jasmine Female Choir
Peony Choir
Triennial choir
Heartsong Chorus
Teachers' Choir of the Japanese Association of Chinese Language Teachers
Choir of the Overseas Chinese Choral Association of Japan
Propaganda media
Tatfook TV
Overseas Chinese Network in Japan
Chinese Herald
Asia Weekly
Overseas Chinese Newspaper in Japan
People's Daily Overseas Edition (Japanese Monthly)
Japan-China Business Gazette
Japan Tojo
Children's Overseas Chinese Newspaper
support
Mirai Lab Biosciences Co., Ltd.
Kyushu Federation of Overseas Chinese
NIKKI CORPORATION
Narita Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. Apple Pectin Research Institute
Former Kazunari Corporation