Events to mark TIF's 5th anniversary JUL・AUG・2002

Experimental art exhibition by artists of the coming generation Tokyo Art Jungle August 13th-15th・Hall Block, Glass Hall Building, Plaza Visitors relaxing near works exhibited in the Plaza Live concert in the Plaza The "Tokyo Art Jungle" train on the JR Yamanote Line as a "moving museum" Solo performance by top Japanese saxophonist Yasuaki Shimizu (on the Bridge of the Glass Hall Building) A "living exhibition space" in which artists of the coming generation have free rein to use the huge complex of the Tokyo International Forum. The "Tokyo Art Jungle" was just such an experiment, held on the canvass of virtually the whole of the Tokyo International Forum over 3 days from August 13th to 15th. The program was truly diverse, ranging from music and film to skateboarding, live art performance, and a "clean-up project" by volunteers. Events in a variety of genres including discussion, sports, food, and fashion were spread out over the facility, which was visited by some 55,000 people over the three days and had all the bustle of a summer festival. In advance of the event, works by the principal artists were featured inside and outside one of the JR Yamanote Line trains, renamed "Tokyo Art Jungle" as a kind of "moving museum". Running from August 1st to 15th, it attracted a great deal of interest.

Concert for the children of the future "Discover Music" with TPO - A Complete Experience for Kids August 30th・Hall A "Discover Music" with TPO, a concert for children presented by world famous conductor Chung Myung-whun together with the Tokyo Philharmonic Orchestra, was given in Hall A on August 30th. "I want to convey the wonder of music to young people", says Mr. Chung. In preparation for the concert, numerous chances were provided for contact with children, such as performance tours by members of the Tokyo Phil to elementary schools in the metropolitan area. In the concert itself, the instruments in the orchestra were first introduced for children with no experience of classical music. This was followed by the main program, a performance of Beethoven's "Destiny" symphony. The children seemed engrossed from beginning to end, as if carried along by the power of the full orchestra. The excitement of this first experience brought rounds of applause after every movement. During the concert, pupils of the Higashiyama Elementary School in Meguro Ward (whom Mr. Chung had taught to play "Destiny" in June) mounted the stage, evoking an emotional response from the maestro. This was a heartwarming concert in which the passionate belief of Mr. Chung could be felt from all parts of the stage. Chung Myung-whun and the Tokyo Philharmonic Orchestra performing "Destiny" and other works Mr. Chung on piano in a duet with gifted violinist and fellow Korean Yura Lee Mr. Chung thrilled to be joined on stage by pupils of the Higashiyama Elementary School in Meguro Ward (on the left, presenter Lisa Stigmayer) Asia's traditional performing arts under one roof Asia Performing Arts Festival 2002 Tokyo Aug. 18th-21st・B Block, D Block, G Block, Plaza, others From August 18th to 21st, the Asia Performing Arts Festival 2002 Tokyo, involving 8 Asian cities including Tokyo, Beijing and Delhi, presented a variety of performing arts from traditional to contemporary. In particular, "Shingigaku" (produced by Mannojo Nomura) was an exotic work that revived traditional Asian masked drama for the 21st century. The audience was enthralled by the gorgeous yet humorous stage show backed by spirited music. Apart from the performances, lectures and seminars were also held on the subject of performing arts, while theatre, dance, music and other works were introduced in the exhibition booths of 103 participating organizations. Traditional Japanese instruments (including koto, shamisen and Japanese drums) were exhibited in the Lobby. In all, the event gave a glimpse of the depth of Asian performing arts. In the Plaza, meanwhile, Asian stalls offered a casual taste of ethnic foods, standing alongside an Asian market to give the venue all the bustle of an oriental bazaar. Spectacular scene from the performance of "Shingigaku" (Hall B) Live performance by traditional Asian instruments (Hall B)