- Korea Amateur Orchestra Union (KAO) Launches 2024 Korea-Japan Cultural Exchange Project
- Cultural and Artistic Sister Exchange Partnership Signed with Japan's Tenenchofu Gakuen and Joint Concert Held
The Korea Amateur Orchestra Federation, co-hosted and organized with the Denenchofu Gakuen Junior and Senior High School, successfully held the Korea-Japan joint concert "Nalgae" on August 11 in Tokyo, Japan.
This performance was part of the 2024 Korea-Japan Cultural Exchange Project promoted by the Federation of Korean Amateur Orchestra (KAO) ahead of the 60th anniversary of Korea-Japan diplomatic relations next year. It was prepared to achieve active musical and cultural exchanges in the international community through harmony between amateur orchestras of both countries. The event was supported by Dong-A Pharmaceutical, the Korea Mecenat Association, and the Japan Foundation Seoul Cultural Center.
For this concert, KAO collaborated with Denenchofu Gakuen Junior and Senior High School in Japan. Since the beginning of 2023, when KAO proposed the performance to initiate exchange, both organizations have continuously traveled between Korea and Japan, preparing the project through joint rehearsals and business meetings.
In particular, the two institutions officially signed a sister exchange agreement (MOU) to strengthen mutual cooperation through culture and arts on the occasion of this performance. The signing ceremony was attended by Yutaka Shimizu, Principal of Denenchofu Gakuen Junior and Senior High School, and Ju-Young Park, CEO of KAO, establishing a cooperative relationship for continuous cultural exchange programs. Both organizations plan to continue international cultural and artistic exchanges such as mutual visits, cultural experience programs, and Korea-Japan joint concerts in both countries.
In this project, about 40 members from KAO visiting Japan, along with about 60 members from local Japanese orchestras and choirs, participated in a 3-day cultural exchange and joint rehearsal program. The repertoire of the concert held at the Denenchofu Gakuen auditorium was themed "Music loved by Korea, Japan, and the world," presenting various genres that people of all ages could enjoy beyond borders. The performance drew cheers from the audience with diverse music including famous Korea-Japan film scores, the folk song "Arirang," and the classical piece "Pomp and Circumstance March." The finale was decorated with a medley arrangement of famous songs from both countries, "Nalgae-reul Juseyo & Neoege Nan Naege Neon," conveying the melodies and emotions of Korea and Japan together.
During the performance, a "conducting event" was held where the audience could conduct the orchestra directly. Participating audience members conducted the classical piece "Ode to Joy," coordinating with about 100 members of the orchestra.
Ju-Young Park, CEO of KAO and the general director and conductor of the Korea-Japan joint concert, said, "I am glad to continue the meaningful connection with Denenchofu Gakuen that music has brought," and added, "We will continue exchanges that connect beyond language and culture through music."
KAO plans to maintain its cooperative relationship with Denenchofu Gakuen Junior and Senior High School and additionally co-host another Korea-Japan joint concert with Denenchofu Gakuen in Korea next year.
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