Feb 22 • 00:00 UTC 🇯🇵 Japan Asahi Shimbun (JP)

Concert with full rehearsal open to the public - 'Documenting the process'

A unique concert experience in Oita City features open rehearsals, encouraging audience participation in the music creation process.

A concert titled 'On-Gaku no Artist in Residence - Six Days of Creating Music' will take place on the 23rd in Oita City, where the entire rehearsal process will be public and shared with attendees. This initiative, in its fifth iteration, is a rare approach in the music industry, allowing the audience to experience the development of music from the rehearsal stage. The participating artists, all hailing from Oita Prefecture but usually based in Tokyo or Fukuoka, include prominent musicians like Akira Mizutani (violin) and Yasushi Goto (violin), among others.

The first public rehearsal began on the 18th, with about 40 attendees observing the performers as they practiced. The musicians engage in conversations, halt performances to discuss, and take questions from the audience, creating an interactive atmosphere. This free event allows attendees to experience the music from different seating positions, enhancing their listening experience. The series of rehearsals will continue daily until the 21st, fostering a unique connection between the musicians and the audience.

This innovative format highlights audience participation in music-making, particularly important in classical music, where there is often pressure to achieve high levels of performance quality. Such initiatives are seen as necessary responses to acknowledge the limitations of exclusive expert-led music creation, promoting a more inclusive approach that encourages public involvement and breaks down barriers in the classical music scene.

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