This subway concert was the first of the 9th term to be presented as a volunteer performance.

The songs to be performed are "Merry Christmas Mr. Lawrence," "Behind the Mask," and "Aqua," all composed by director Ryuichi Sakamoto.

The members who participated in this concert were:

Vn. Minami Suzuki

Va. Yuri Naganuma

Vc. Toki Takahashi

Hr. Shiori Tajima

Hr. Kana Kikuno

Fl. Keika Ishikawa

Fl. Saiun Sakamoto

Perc. Mizuho Miura (who also played the piano this time)

There are 8 of them.

In addition, the volunteer musicians who were in charge of this Senkura performance were:

Cb. Yuri Tanno

Tb. Maon Fukuzumi

rushed to the scene and made the performance at Senkura a reality.

First, they gathered around 11:45 and rehearsed from 12:00 in the studio rented by Shimamura Music Sendai Loft store.

There, they rehearse repeatedly, trying and testing things out, until the very last moment in order to deliver a good performance.

Everybody is serious about the performance.

Because TYO members are made up of people from various regions, they need to practice within a limited time frame.

However, there are also sudden changes. However, everyone doesn't give in and continues rehearsing smoothly. Your abilities are amazing...

After rehearsals in the studio, it's finally time for the big day.

When we arrived at the venue, we were surprised to see so many people there! Among the people were the family and friends of the members!

Also, 9th generation member Vc. Sato Kousei came to support us!

The members appearing on Senkura look nervous.

The performance is finally about to begin!

It starts with "Merry Christmas Mr. Lawrence."

Listening to the phrases from Senmeri again, it reminds me of TYO's past.

"Senmei" is one of the songs that I performed with the director, and it has been loved by everyone at TYO.

In particular, at TYO 4th period's Morioka performance, the performance was so amazing that the audience started applauding early, and the performance was further moved by the snow that began to fall brightly all over Morioka after the show.

After the performance of Senmeri, the members began introducing TYO.

During the interview, there was a heartwarming moment when, perhaps due to nervousness, he introduced Director Sakamoto as Director Sakamoto Ryuichi .

Next up is "Aqua"!

"Aqua" was also performed at the 8th term concert.

The performance of "Aqua" accompanied by Yoshinaga Sayuri's reading was very impressive for us members of the troupe.

Will it be performed again this year?

The lovely melody of "Aqua" was captivating not only for the audience but also for the members of the troupe.

The last song is "Behind the Mask," which Director Sakamoto composed during his time with YMO.

This song was also performed at the 3rd season concert. This song has a very unique worldview.

When I first heard this song, I was very impressed. I was excited when the sheet music arrived from the office, but I was not allowed to play it.

If I ever get the chance to perform again, I would love to do so.

In this song, Mr. Tajima on head guitar participated on shaker along with Mr. Miura on percussion.

We were able to play three songs successfully and our performance as TYO came to an end.

Well done everyone, it was a fantastic performance!

——

We interviewed two performers at the subway concert: Va. Naganuma Yuri and Fl. Ishikawa Keika.

They were asked the following four questions:

Q1: "Why did you decide to participate in this volunteer concert?"

Q2 "Which song do you like best among "SenMeri", "Aqua" and "Behind the Mask"?

Q3: How did you feel performing at the subway concert?

Q4: Please tell us your enthusiasm for the 2024 concert!

Va. Naganuma

Q1: "I wanted to participate in activities that would help more people know about the Tohoku Youth Orchestra."

Q2 "I like Aqua because it gives off a warm feeling."

Q3: "I'm glad that so many people came to listen to our concert, and I'd be even happier if they could get to know the Tohoku Youth Orchestra through this concert."

Q4 "To show my gratitude to Director Sakamoto for creating TYO, I would like to play various pieces of his music so that many people can listen to it."

Fl. Ishikawa

Q1 "I had fun going to various places to perform at volunteer concerts in the 4th term, and I wanted many people to know about the youth group."

Q2 "I remember playing a striking melody on the piccolo during the 4th season concert in Senmei."

Q3 "I was happy that more people than expected came to the concert, and I was also happy that people who didn't know about the Youth Group said they were moved by the performance."

Q4 "The main piccolo is difficult, but I'll do my best!!"

That's what they said! Thank you both.

We at TYO would like to deliver music to you all through volunteer performances like this.

The next TYO may come to your town.

Please come and visit us when you are there.