Piano Concert by Maestro Usui Toshiki at the Tbilisi State Conservatoire in commemoration of the 15th anniversary of the establishment of the Embassy
2024/2/14
On February 11, the Embassy celebrated its 15th anniversary of the establishment of the Embassy with a Piano Concert by Maestro Usui Toshiki at the Tbilisi State Conservatoire. The concert opened with a speech by the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Japan to Georgia, H.E. Mr. Ishizuka Hideki and the Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Georgia, Mr. Alexander Khvtisiashvili, who congratulated the embassy on its 15th anniversary. The concert was also attended by various guests, including government officials, Diplomatic corps and cultural figures, providing an opportunity for cultural exchange between Japan and Georgia.
On the concert, Maestro Usui performed works by famous Japanese composers Hirai Kozaburo, Tooru Takemitsu, Ifukube Akira, Sakamoto Ryuuichi and a great contributor to the promotion of the Western Classical music in Japan, Alexander Tcherepnin. The program also featured works by late Vaja Azarashvili, a longtime friend of Mr. Usui, to tribute and honor his achievements.
Here is Maestro Usui’s comment after the concert:
“I have known Mr. Vaja Azarashvili for 10 years and his music was a bridge between myself and Georgia. It is extremely unfortunate that he passed away couple of days ago. I am very grateful I had the opportunity to properly pay respect and honor his achievements, by playing his music again on this concert. From now on as well I hope to continue promoting his works around the world and continue my musical activities in Georgia. I would also like to perform with an orchestra Mr. Azarashvili’s “Piano Concerto No.2”, which has not yet been premiered in Georgia. It was an honor I was able to introduce Georgian listeners to some great Japanese composers, such as Sakamoto Ryuichi and Ifukube Akira. I was also able to perform Alexander Tcherepnin’s composition, who contributed greatly to the development of classical music in Japan. I think it was truly a cultural exchange through music.”
On the concert, Maestro Usui performed works by famous Japanese composers Hirai Kozaburo, Tooru Takemitsu, Ifukube Akira, Sakamoto Ryuuichi and a great contributor to the promotion of the Western Classical music in Japan, Alexander Tcherepnin. The program also featured works by late Vaja Azarashvili, a longtime friend of Mr. Usui, to tribute and honor his achievements.
Here is Maestro Usui’s comment after the concert:
“I have known Mr. Vaja Azarashvili for 10 years and his music was a bridge between myself and Georgia. It is extremely unfortunate that he passed away couple of days ago. I am very grateful I had the opportunity to properly pay respect and honor his achievements, by playing his music again on this concert. From now on as well I hope to continue promoting his works around the world and continue my musical activities in Georgia. I would also like to perform with an orchestra Mr. Azarashvili’s “Piano Concerto No.2”, which has not yet been premiered in Georgia. It was an honor I was able to introduce Georgian listeners to some great Japanese composers, such as Sakamoto Ryuichi and Ifukube Akira. I was also able to perform Alexander Tcherepnin’s composition, who contributed greatly to the development of classical music in Japan. I think it was truly a cultural exchange through music.”
This year marks 15 years since the establishment of the Embassy of Japan in Georgia, and we will continue our work to strengthen bilateral relations through a variety of cultural events.
Details regarding the composers and pieces performed at the concert can be found at the following link:
https://www.ge.emb-japan.go.jp/itpr_ja/11_000001_00771.html
Details regarding the composers and pieces performed at the concert can be found at the following link:
https://www.ge.emb-japan.go.jp/itpr_ja/11_000001_00771.html