Today is the first day of July, and half of the year has already passed by in a flash. Time flies, and it seems like we will soon be able to announce this year's activities for the Tohoku Youth Orchestra. On Sunday, July 10th, there will be a concert at Koriyama City Central Library by five second-year high school students who participated in last year's Tohoku Youth Orchestra.

The violinists are Masahiro Watanabe, Takashi Chiba, and Ritsu Ishikawa, cellist Reika Ashina, and double bassist Yuri Tanno.

Of course, this project was an independent initiative by the members. We will put up posters that we made ourselves.

Although it is not mentioned here, the Tohoku Youth Orchestra will also be playing famous songs by director Ryuichi Sakamoto. Here is a message from the members.

"We were fortunate to be able to participate in the Tohoku Youth Orchestra, where we met many important friends and gained strength from them. We feel that what we can do as high school students today is to deliver that strength to the people of our hometown, Koriyama. We want to play with enjoyment and in a way that will lift the spirits of those who listen!"

As was the case with the concert held at the temporary housing in Ishinomaki in March this year, the members of the orchestra voluntarily and independently try to give back to their hometowns what they have received. I am truly impressed by their spirit and initiative. As someone who can be classified as an adult, I strongly encourage everyone to come and see the concert.

The performance will be held at Koriyama City Central Library from 5:00 p.m. on Sunday, July 10th, and will last about 30 minutes. Please note that even if you go at 7:00 a.m. or rush over at 6:00 p.m., the music will not be playing. Why not take a walk in the evening during the rainy season and nourish your ears with the youthful sound of the strings?

(The Tohoku Youth Orchestra will soon be recruiting a few additional members for the second term.)