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Tetsuya Kumakawa's Don Quixote by K-Ballet Tokyo: a dazzling production

By Naomi Mori, 26 September 2025

Tetsuya Kumakawa's Don Quixote for K-Ballet Tokyo is a production that promises the audience much enjoyment, with thrilling lead dancers and excellent storytelling.

*****

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*****

Tokyo

26 Sep 2025

Kumakawa's Don Quixote by K-Ballet Tokyo: a dazzling production

By Naomi Mori

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Tokyo

One unbroken sentence: María Dueñas lets Beethoven breathe at Suntory Hall

By SangKwon Lee, 19 September 2025

María Dueñas’ Tokyo performance of Beethoven's Violin Concerto is less about display than about the living drama between held breath and release.

*****

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*****

Tokyo

19 Sep 2025

María Dueñas lets Beethoven breathe at Suntory Hall

By SangKwon Lee

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Tokyo

Fabio Luisi opens NHKSO's new season with Franz Schmidt's Fourth Symphony

By Nahoko Gotoh, 13 September 2025

As a leading exponent of Franz Schmidt's music, conductor Fabio Luisi leads the NHK Symphony Orchestra Tokyo in a rare performance of his Fourth Symphony for the orchestra's season opener.

****1

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Tokyo

13 Sep 2025

Luisi opens NHKSO's new season with Franz Schmidt

By Nahoko Gotoh

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Tokyo

Schumann Quartett undertakes a Beethoven journey at Suntory Hall

By Nahoko Gotoh, 12 June 2025

At Suntory Hall's annual chamber music festival, the Schumann Quartett embarks on a marathon of performing all of Beethoven’s string quartets over six concerts.

****1

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Tokyo

12 Jun 2025

Schumann Quartett's Beethoven journey at Suntory Hall

By Nahoko Gotoh

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Tokyo

Wheeldon's Alice's Adventures in Wonderland dazzles again in Tokyo

By Naomi Mori, 12 June 2025

Christopher Wheeldon’s Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland returned to the National Ballet of Japan, a marvelous production that amply displays the many talents of the company.

****1

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Tokyo

12 Jun 2025

Wheeldon's Alice's Adventures in Wonderland dazzles again in Tokyo

By Naomi Mori

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Tokyo

National Ballet of Japan's revival of Giselle: a dramatic return

By Naomi Mori, 10 April 2025

National Ballet of Japan has revived their production of Giselle, ahead of their tour to the Royal Opera House in London, replicating the triumphant success it had in 2022.

*****

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*****

Tokyo

10 Apr 2025

National Ballet of Japan's revival of Giselle: a dramatic return

By Naomi Mori

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Tokyo

National Ballet of Japan’s new triple bill is full of bold challenges

By Naomi Mori, 15 March 2025

While National Ballet of Japan’s latest triple bill presents many challenges, one hopes these valuable masterpieces will be revived, enabling the company to develop its virtuosity and artistry.

****1

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Tokyo

15 Mar 2025

National Ballet of Japan’s new triple bill is full of bold challenges

By Naomi Mori

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Tokyo

Back-to-back Beethoven from Myung-whun Chung and the Tokyo Philharmonic

By Nahoko Gotoh, 25 February 2025

Beethoven's Triple Concerto has a reputation of being a problematic work, but Myung-Whun Chung and the Tokyo Philharmonic prove otherwise in an emphatic performance.

****1

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Tokyo

25 Feb 2025

Back-to-back Beethoven: Myung-whun Chung and the Tokyo Philharmonic

By Nahoko Gotoh

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Tokyo

Spirited Mozart from Isabelle Faust and Il Giardino Armonico in Tokyo

By Nahoko Gotoh, 11 December 2024

Isabelle Faust, Giovanni Antonini and the Italian period instrument ensemble Il Giardino Armonico gather again for Mozart's complete Violin Concertos.

*****

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*****

Tokyo

11 Dec 2024

Spirited Mozart from Isabelle Faust and Il Giardino Armonico in Tokyo

By Nahoko Gotoh

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Tokyo

NBJ’s young choreographers are showcased in Dance to the Future

By Naomi Mori, 30 November 2024

In National Ballet of Japan's Dance to the Future, the standards of choreography were high compared to past years, and the ability of the dancers to express these contemporary works, was noteworthy.

***11

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***11

Tokyo

30 Nov 2024

NBJ’s young choreographers are showcased in Dance to the Future

By Naomi Mori

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Tokyo

Yannis Kokkos stages Guillaume Tell in Tokyo

By Nahoko Gotoh, 30 November 2024

For his new staging of Rossini’s Guillaume Tell at the New National Theatre, Tokyo, director Yannis Kokkos avoids specific contemporary references, choosing a setting that transcends the times.

****1

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Tokyo

30 Nov 2024

Yannis Kokkos stages Guillaume Tell in Tokyo

By Nahoko Gotoh

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Tokyo

National Ballet of Japan: a breathtaking Beauty opens the season

By Naomi Mori, 25 October 2024

National Ballet of Japan opened their 2024/25 season with Eagling’s The Sleeping Beauty. Haruka Sassa's Aurora, guesting from Staatsballett Berlin, and prima ballerina, Yui Yonezawa, debuting as the Lilac Fairy, were highly impressive.

****1

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Tokyo

25 Oct 2024

National Ballet of Japan: a breathtaking Beauty opens the season

By Naomi Mori

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Tokyo

Ravishing Tchaikovsky from Weigle and the Yomiuri Nippon Symphony Orchestra

By Nahoko Gotoh, 03 October 2024

The Yomiuri Nippon Symphony Orchestra under their Principal Conductor Sebastian Weigle show top-form in Tchaikovsky before their upcoming European tour.

****1

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Tokyo

03 Oct 2024

Ravishing Tchaikovsky from Weigle and the Yomiuri Nippon SO

By Nahoko Gotoh

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Tokyo

Beethoven quartet cycle reaches finale at Chamber Music Garden Festival

By Nahoko Gotoh, 15 June 2024

At Suntory Hall's annual Chamber Music Garden Festival, the Japanese group Verus String Quartet brings their Beethoven Cycle to a close with Zen-like serenity and restraint.

***11

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***11

Tokyo

15 Jun 2024

Beethoven quartet cycle reaches finale at Chamber Music Garden

By Nahoko Gotoh

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Tokyo

David Bintley's Aladdin: a beloved production returns to Tokyo

By Naomi Mori, 14 June 2024

National Ballet of Japan has revived Sir David Bintley’s Aladdin for the first time in five years and it shows how the company has developed since the premiere in 2008.

****1

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Tokyo

14 Jun 2024

David Bintley's Aladdin: a beloved production returns to Tokyo

By Naomi Mori

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Tokyo

A virtuosic Pierrot lunaire at Suntory Hall Chamber Music Garden

By Nahoko Gotoh, 05 June 2024

Suntory Hall Chamber Music Garden celebrates Schoenberg's anniversary with a virtuosic and gripping performance of his unique song cycle Pierrot lunaire, featuring Michaela Selinger as the moon-drunk clown.

****1

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Tokyo

05 Jun 2024

A virtuosic Pierrot lunaire at Suntory Hall Chamber Music Garden

By Nahoko Gotoh

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Tokyo

Michieletto's “Camping Così” returns to Tokyo

By Nahoko Gotoh, 30 May 2024

Damiano Michieletto’s 2011 staging of Mozart’s Così fan tutte, dubbed the "Camping Così", is one of the most enduring and entertaining productions in NNTT’s repertory.

****1

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Tokyo

30 May 2024

Michieletto's “Camping Così” returns to Tokyo

By Nahoko Gotoh

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Tokyo

National Ballet of Japan's La Bayadère offers breathtaking Shades

By Naomi Mori, 27 April 2024

National Ballet of Japan has revived its version of La Bayadère choreographed by former director Asami Maki. Brilliantly performed by strong lead dancers, the Kingdom of the Shades was particularly breathtaking.

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Tokyo

27 Apr 2024

National Ballet of Japan's La Bayadère offers breathtaking Shades

By Naomi Mori

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Tokyo

Matthew Bourne's Romeo and Juliet: a 21st century love story

By Naomi Mori, 10 April 2024

Sir Matthew Bourne’s New Adventures brought its groundbreaking Romeo and Juliet to Tokyo for the first time and wowed the audience with its magical storytelling.

*****

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*****

Tokyo

10 Apr 2024

Matthew Bourne's Romeo and Juliet: a 21st century love story

By Naomi Mori

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Tokyo

National Ballet of Japan: Tales of Hoffmann, a successful revival

By Naomi Mori, 23 February 2024

National Ballet of Japan have revived Peter Darrell’s Tales of Hoffmann and whilst this may not be a masterpiece, served to show how much the company is evolving, with excellent lead dancers.

****1

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Tokyo

23 Feb 2024

National Ballet of Japan: Tales of Hoffmann, a successful revival

By Naomi Mori

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Tokyo

Paris Opera Ballet’s Manon: phenomenal performances in Tokyo

By Naomi Mori, 17 February 2024

The Paris Opera Ballet gave excellent performances of Kenneth MacMillan’s Manon, with strong lead dancers, depicting 18th century demi-monde society, which is not so far removed from the 21st century.

****1

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****1

Tokyo

17 Feb 2024

Paris Opera Ballet’s Manon: phenomenal performances in Tokyo

By Naomi Mori

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Tokyo

A peerless St John Passion in Tokyo

By Nahoko Gotoh, 04 February 2024

In celebration of the 300th anniversary of Bach's St John Passion, Masaaki Suzuki and Bach Collegium Japan gives a compelling performance of the lesser-known 1725 version of work.

*****

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*****

Tokyo

04 Feb 2024

A peerless St John Passion in Tokyo

By Nahoko Gotoh

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Tokyo

Ayako Ono dazzles in National Ballet of Japan’s The Nutcracker and the Mouse King

By Naomi Mori, 25 December 2023

National Ballet of Japan’s Nutcracker by Wayne Eagling is a family favourite, with lead dancers Ayako Ono and Yudai Fukuoka giving a flawless performance as the leads.

****1

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Tokyo

25 Dec 2023

Ayako Ono dazzles in National Ballet of Japan’s Nutcracker

By Naomi Mori

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Tokyo

Battistoni and the Tokyo Philharmonic focus on Tchaikovsky and Shakespeare

By Nahoko Gotoh, 16 November 2023

Andrea Battistoni conducts the Tokyo Philharmonic in Tchaikovsky's three Shakespeare-inspired works in a single programme. In between, cellist Haruma Sato excels in the original version of the Rococo Variations.

****1

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****1

Tokyo

16 Nov 2023

Battistoni and the Tokyo Phil do Tchaikovsky and Shakespeare

By Nahoko Gotoh

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Tokyo

Don Quixote opens the season with a new principal ballerina in Japan

By Naomi Mori, 21 October 2023

National Ballet of Japan's 2023/24 season opened to a very appreciative audience with Alexei Fadeyechev’s Don Quixote.

****1

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****1

Tokyo

21 Oct 2023

Don Quixote opens the season with a new principal ballerina in Japan

By Naomi Mori

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Tokyo

Puccini/Ravel double bill opens the new opera season in Tokyo

By Nahoko Gotoh, 07 October 2023

The 2023–24 season at the New National Theatre, Tokyo, opens with straightforward stagings of an unusual double bill of Suor Angelica and L’Enfant et les sortilèges.

***11

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***11

Tokyo

07 Oct 2023

Puccini/Ravel double bill opens the new opera season in Tokyo

By Nahoko Gotoh

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Tokyo

Joyful Mozart from Ton Koopman and the NHK Symphony

By Nahoko Gotoh, 21 September 2023

At Suntory Hall, Ton Koopman and the NHK Symphony Orchestra bring elegance and exuberance to an all-Mozart programme including a flute concerto featuring its principal flautist.

****1

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Tokyo

21 Sep 2023

Joyful Mozart from Ton Koopman and the NHK Symphony

By Nahoko Gotoh

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Tokyo

Kerem Hasan conducts an exhilarating Tchaikovsky Fifth in Tokyo

By Nahoko Gotoh, 18 June 2023

Exciting Tchaikovsky from the Yomiuri Nippon Symphony Orchestra, while Leeds winner Eric Lu is the sensitive soloist in Chopin's Second Concerto.

****1

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Tokyo

18 Jun 2023

Kerem Hasan conducts an exhilarating Tchaikovsky Fifth in Tokyo

By Nahoko Gotoh

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Tokyo

Superlative! National Ballet of Japan in Peter Wright's Swan Lake

By Naomi Mori, 10 June 2023

This production provides a hugely fulfilling evening, rich in drama and the beauty of classical ballet.

****1

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Tokyo

10 Jun 2023

Superlative! National Ballet of Japan in Peter Wright's Swan Lake

By Naomi Mori

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Tokyo

Elias String Quartet launches Beethoven cycle at Suntory Hall in Tokyo

By Nahoko Gotoh, 03 June 2023

Making their long-awaited debut in Japan, the Elias String Quartet embarks on the complete Beethoven cycle with a contrasting programme of early and late quartets.

*****

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*****

Tokyo

03 Jun 2023

Elias String Quartet launches Beethoven cycle in Tokyo

By Nahoko Gotoh

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Tokyo

National Ballet of Japan thrills in Tuckett's The Tragedy of Macbeth

By Naomi Mori, 29 April 2023

Two adaptations of well-known Shakespeare plays make wonderful additions to the repertoire of the National Ballet of Japan.

****1

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Tokyo

29 Apr 2023

National Ballet of Japan thrills in Tuckett's The Tragedy of Macbeth

By Naomi Mori

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Tokyo

A dramatic Leningrad Symphony from the Tokyo City Philharmonic at Opera City

By David Karlin, 18 March 2023

In the cathedral-like surroundings of Tokyo Opera City Concert Hall, a superb first movement of Shostakovich's Seventh Symphony eclipses Kabalevsky’s First Cello Concerto.

***11

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***11

Tokyo

18 Mar 2023

A dramatic Leningrad from the Tokyo City Philharmonic

By David Karlin

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Tokyo

Shunske Sato and the Tokyo Symphony breathe life into Spohr

By Nahoko Gotoh, 18 March 2023

Violinist Shunske Sato leads the Tokyo Symphony Orchestra in an historically informed performance of early 19th-century music, including a spectacular rendering of Louis Spohr's Violin Concerto no. 8 in A minor.

****1

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****1

Tokyo

18 Mar 2023

Shunske Sato and the Tokyo Symphony breathe life into Spohr

By Nahoko Gotoh

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Tokyo

A visually spectacular and strongly sung Hoffmann in Tokyo

By David Karlin, 15 March 2023

Philippe Arlaud’s production for New National Theatre Tokyo may not be in its first youth, but it delivers on all counts. Leonardo Capalbo, Egils Siliņš and Yuka Kobayashi lead an excellent cast.

****1

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****1

Tokyo

15 Mar 2023

A visually spectacular and strongly sung Hoffmann in Tokyo

By David Karlin

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Tokyo

Brahms to remember from Hisako Kawamura at Suntory Hall

By David Karlin, 13 March 2023

Hisako Kawamura shows excellence and stamina in tackling two huge concertos, while Kazuki Yamada and the Yomiuri Nippon Symphony give compelling Brahms but are less convincing in Amy Beach.

****1

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****1

Tokyo

13 Mar 2023

Brahms to remember from Hisako Kawamura at Suntory Hall

By David Karlin

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Tokyo

National Ballet of Japan: Petit’s Coppélia charms its live audience

By Naomi Mori, 24 February 2023

National Ballet of Japan performed Roland Petit’s Coppélia in front of a live audience for the first time, showing the company to be in great form.

****1

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****1

Tokyo

24 Feb 2023

National Ballet of Japan: Petit’s Coppélia charms its live audience

By Naomi Mori

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Tokyo

Yunchan Lim makes Tokyo concerto debut

By Nahoko Gotoh, 24 February 2023

Van Cliburn winner Yunchan Lim, in his concerto debut with the Tokyo Philharmonic, shares the stage with Mikhail Pletnev to give a suave performance of Beethoven's “Emperor” Concerto.

****1

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****1

Tokyo

24 Feb 2023

Yunchan Lim makes Tokyo concerto debut

By Nahoko Gotoh

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Tokyo

Guests and A Million Kisses to My Skin add sparkle to National Ballet of Japan's New Year Ballet

By Naomi Mori, 13 January 2023

Their artistry was something that is rarely seen and is a great gift to us all.

****1

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Tokyo

13 Jan 2023

A breath of fresh air and an eye-opener for audiences!

By Naomi Mori

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Tokyo

Paavo Järvi and the Kammerphilharmonie Bremen bring Haydn to Tokyo Opera City

By Nahoko Gotoh, 08 December 2022

Three Haydn symphonies grace the bill in Järvi's onging project which started in earnest last year in Vienna.

****1

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****1

Tokyo

08 Dec 2022

Järvi and Kammerphilharmonie Bremen bring Haydn to Tokyo Opera City

By Nahoko Gotoh

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Tokyo

A brutal but mesmerising Rite of Spring from the National Ballet of Japan

By Naomi Mori, 25 November 2022

NBJ shows a contemporary double bill choreographed by Motoko Hirayama; a powerful and daring programme that strengthens their dancers’ versatility.

****1

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****1

Tokyo

25 Nov 2022

A mesmerising Rite of Spring from the National Ballet of Japan

By Naomi Mori

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Tokyo

An Alpine journey for Andris Nelsons and the Boston Symphony in Tokyo

By Nahoko Gotoh, 15 November 2022

Andris Nelsons and the Boston Symphony's three-concert residency at Tokyo's Suntory Hall culminates in a brilliantly evocative performance of Strauss' Alpine Symphony.

****1

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****1

Tokyo

15 Nov 2022

An Alpine journey for Andris Nelsons and the Boston Symphony in Tokyo

By Nahoko Gotoh

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Tokyo

A spellbinding new Giselle for the National Ballet of Japan

By Naomi Mori, 21 October 2022

NBJ's season opens with a successful new production of the 19th-century classic Giselle, directed by Miyako Yoshida and choreographed by Alastair Marriott.

****1

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****1

Tokyo

21 Oct 2022

A spellbinding new Giselle for the National Ballet of Japan

By Naomi Mori

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Tokyo

Sincerity over sexiness in Alessandrini's take on Giulio Cesare in Tokyo

By Nahoko Gotoh, 05 October 2022

Laurent Pelly's Night in the Museum production of Giulio Cesare is finally staged at the New National Theatre, Tokyo, after its 2020 pandemic cancellation.

***11

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***11

Tokyo

05 Oct 2022

Sincerity over sexiness in Tokyo's Giulio Cesare

By Nahoko Gotoh

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Tokyo

Fabio Luisi and the NHK SO begin partnership with a Verdi Requiem for our times

By Nahoko Gotoh, 11 September 2022

For whatever reason Fabio Luisi chose Verdi's Requiem for his inauguration concert with the NHK Symphony Orchestra, Tokyo, it turned out to be an apt and poignant choice.

****1

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Tokyo

11 Sep 2022

Luisi and the NHK SO begin partnership with a Requiem for our times

By Nahoko Gotoh

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Tokyo

One man and his flute: Pahud's solo journey in Tokyo

By Nahoko Gotoh, 11 July 2022

A spellbinding journey as Emmanuel Pahud plays a 70-minute solo programme in a near capacity audience in the 1600-seater concert hall.

*****

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*****

Tokyo

11 Jul 2022

One man and his flute: Pahud's solo journey in Tokyo

By Nahoko Gotoh

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Tokyo

Radek Baborák and friends shine in Suntory Hall's Chamber Music Garden

By Nahoko Gotoh, 18 June 2022

This portrait concert of the well-loved Czech horn player Radek Baborák, devised for Suntory Hall's Chamber Music Garden, was part solo recital, part ensemble concert.

****1

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Tokyo

18 Jun 2022

Radek Baborák and friends shine in Suntory Hall's Chamber Music Garden

By Nahoko Gotoh

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Tokyo

Aoi Trio sparkles at Suntory Hall's Chamber Music Garden

By Nahoko Gotoh, 08 June 2022

In the second installment of their seven-year project at Suntory Hall's Chamber Music Garden, the Aoi Trio display a new level of confidence and bravura in Beethoven, Hosokawa and Franck.

*****

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*****

Tokyo

08 Jun 2022

Aoi Trio sparkles at Suntory Hall's Chamber Music Garden

By Nahoko Gotoh

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Tokyo

Christopher Wheeldon's Alice's Adventures in Wonderland dazzles at National Ballet of Japan

By Naomi Mori, 03 June 2022

Wheeldon’s Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland proves to be one of the greatest recent successes at the National Ballet of Japan, promising a feast of delights, an enjoyable night at the ballet for both children and adults.

****1

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Tokyo

03 Jun 2022

Wheeldon's Alice's Adventures in Wonderland dazzles in Tokyo

By Naomi Mori

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Tokyo

Aesthetic unity shines in bold staging of Orfeo ed Euridice in Tokyo

By Nahoko Gotoh, 19 May 2022

Several notable house debuts, including the renowned director and choreographer Sabuto Teshigawara, enlivened the New National Theatre's first-ever production of Gluck's opera.

****1

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Tokyo

19 May 2022

Aesthetic unity shines in bold staging of Orfeo ed Euridice in Tokyo

By Nahoko Gotoh

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Tokyo

National Ballet of Japan's Cinderella returns successfully

By Naomi Mori, 30 April 2022

A much beloved production with magical charm, National Ballet of Japan's Cinderella, choreographed by Fredrick Ashton, is successfully performed to a full house audience, thanks to coaching by Miyako Yoshida who performed the role in her days at The Royal Ballet.

****1

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Tokyo

30 Apr 2022

National Ballet of Japan's Cinderella returns successfully

By Naomi Mori