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 “I
heard that a unique musical festival that might have defied notions of classical
music has been held in Nantes, a French port town. I also heard that every year
the festival booms with an audience of more than 100,000 people.” It was just
two years ago that we heard such a report. And the report continues: “If this
music festival could be held in Japan, the best and only place would be at the
Tokyo International Forum.”
Six months later, the staff of the Tokyo International Forum left for Nantes.
Our goal was to research the musical festival, “LA FOLLE JOURNEE.”
We discovered much about the festival:
In the Cite des Congres, a convention and art center and the venue of the festival,
a series of musical concerts was simultaneously held at various halls during a
5-day event. A large European audience that included many children meandered from
one musical event to another. The scene was exactly “LA FOLLE JOURNEE -- a day
of enthusiasm.” The artists who had just finished their performances spoke enthusiastically
with the audience. Concerts were held in not only special large halls but also
small halls with seating for about 200. In such small halls, people could see
top artists performing not far from where they sat. The Forum staff said it was
a luxurious experience - like hearing live classical music at a club. Under normal
circumstances, they would never have had such a close encounter. A musical festival
with such a close relationship between artist and audience is rare. Also important
to mention is the price. At the festival, people could hear excellent concerts
for only 5~22 euro (700-3,000 yen).
This festival “LA FOLLE JOURNEE” is coming to Japan next Golden Week holidays,
with exactly the same basic concept but on a larger scale. We anticipate that
music will fill and spread not only inside the halls but also outside on city
streets.
Details will be publicized soon in this magazine. Mr. Rene Martin, Acoustic
Director of the Tokyo musical festival as well as the organizer of the festival
in Nantes, expressed his hopes as follows:
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Reason why he chose Tokyo
“I think the music scene in Japan is extremely dynamic. Many performers jump
up and leap onto the global stage. Their outstanding performances are also seen
in their prizes at major competitions. Further, such Japanese performers’ vigorous
activities are notable from the geographical point of view that Japan is a gateway
to Asia. As for “LA FOLLE JOURNEE,” I got invitations from many countries including
the U.S.A. and U.K., but I finally decided upon Tokyo. I consider Tokyo to be
the only venue in Japan. This music festival could not be held any place. I think
it is important to hold the festival in Tokyo every year.”
Break through the shell of classical music
“In order to break through the shell of classical music and satisfy all people,
the music festival must be one that everyone can participate in. We are aiming
at the democratization of classical music once a year at low prices. Our goal
is to create rich and varied programs. We want a place for audiences to meet and
interact with talented performers. A classical music festival open to all people
- that is exactly the spirit of ’LA FOLLE JOURNEE.’”
“During the 3 day period from April 29, 2005, about 150 concerts will be held
in various halls. In the Tokyo International Forum halls, seating capacity will
vary from 200 to 5,000 seats. The festival theme is “Beethoven and His Fellows.”
We plan to sell low-price tickets such as were sold in Nantes, by calculating
performers’ stay with rehearsal time included and saving the costs of accommodations
and guarantees. Compared with Nantes, Lisbon, and Bilbao, where “LA FOLLE JOURNEE”
was held in the past, Tokyo will have a larger venue. Much work needs to be accomplished
for the festival to happen. Our goal is to make Tokyo International Forum an island
of musical excellence, where people will hear outstanding music in any hall, any
passage, and any plaza.”
The importance of cooperation with Japanese
“The Japanese have a different mentality from the French. However,
once we French rely on them, the Japanese will have a more trusting relationship
with us compared with any other people. French people have a romantic national
character; they always pursue fantasy. In contrast, Japanese people are realistic
and pursue accuracy. When these two different qualities mix, I have confidence
that “LA FOLLE JOURNEE” in Tokyo will succeed. A musical festival open
to all people - that is our precondition. To achieve this, we need to stimulate
the private sector’s contribution and the Tokyo public sector’s involvement. I
do not intend to increase the venues of “LA FOLLE JOURNEE” overseas. I
would like to make Tokyo and its open gateway to Asia our festival venue.”
“I love Japanese films so much, especially “Tokyo Story (Tokyo
Monogatari).” This film is a hymn in honor of the senses. I feel the most beautiful
of all music is Beethoven’s later work, the Piano Sonata No. 106. “Tokyo Story”
is in some way connected to the sonata.”
I believe in the power of music.
“To remove the barrier between professionals and amateur- this is also a goal
of this festival.I would like to make the festival attractive to all people: elementary,
junior-high and high schoolers as well as people who hope to be involved in classical
music in the future. I myself am an energetic man, dashing onto a goal once I
decide upon it. At the same time, I try to remain still and calm through observations
and analysis.”
“When I read the biography of musician Charlie Mangus, I was very impressed
by the last chapter.Although I did not know any music other than rock or jazz
at the time, I was moved by the last chapter.Dying from cancer, Mangus turned
the radio on and heard a beautiful piece of music. I was touched and thought,
“That is the music I have been seeking.” It was a Bartok string quartet that Mangus
heard. I began to collect all Bartok’s works. Next, I devoured Beethoven. When
I was 18, I entered Conservatoire (conservatory). After graduation, I studied
business economics. I wanted to hold concerts as soon as possible. Even though
I arrange 800 concerts a year, I have never failed to be in the audience at the
concerts I plan. I do not produce music that I do not know. And I always ask myself,
“Who is the best person to perform this work?”
“I believe in the power of music.Music is spiritual for me.I took my motto
from Dostoevsky who said, “Beauty will save the world.”
Interviewer: Akira Hashimoto
Photo: Bungo Saito
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LA FOLLE JOURNEE au JAPON
Music Festival “A Day of Enthusiasm”
Description:
*Date: April 29, 2005 Fri - May 1, 2005 Sun 9:00-23:00
*Theme: Beethoven and His Fellows
*Place: Tokyo International Forum (all halls) and the surrounding areas
*Number of Performers: 500 people (Asian-300 people, European-200 people) (planned)
*Executive Committee: Honorary chairman - Shintaro Ishihara, Governor of Tokyo
Chairman - Takeshi Fukuzawa, Chairman of OTEMACHI MARUNOUCHI YURAKUCHO District
Redevelopment Project Promotion Council
*Hosted by Tokyo International Forum
Features:
1) All Day Long
In 8~10 halls of the Tokyo International Forum, musical concerts are held all
day, simultaneously, and one after another. Also in the surrounding areas -- Otemachi,
Marunouchi, Yurakucho, Hibiya and Ginza -- various other programs connected to
the festival are planned, offering the joy of music to 1 million people.
2) Always Thrilling
Each concert is about 45 minutes. Always engaging for the audience.
3) Various Contents
About 150 performances in 3 days
4) Concerts Based on a Special Theme
Each year, the festival will have a new theme that emphasizes a significant movement
in musical history. The first theme in Tokyo is “Beethoven and His Fellows.”
5) The World’s Highest Level’s Performance
Distinguished artists gather in Tokyo from all over the world, agreeing to the
spirit of the festival planned by Rene Martin. Also, many Japanese top artists
will participate.
6) Rock-Bottom Ticket Prices
5~22 euro in Nantes, France (700~3,000 yen). In Tokyo, the estimated price will
be 1,500 yen, just the same as a film ticket. You can go to the concert with your
family. |
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Rene Martin: Acoustic Director
Marin was born in Nantes 52 years ago. In his younger days, Martin used to love Pink Floyd. He played the drums but opened his eyes to the splendor of classical music. Martin studied at the “Conservatoire national superieur de Musique” in Nantes. In addition, he studied business economics and worked in the field of music management. Martin is active in both classical and pop music.
Martin produced “LA ROQUE D’ANTHERON,” a piano festival held in southern France every summer. Argerich and the late Richter have performed at the piano festival in the past.
Currently, Martin is planning more than 800 concerts a year, mainly in France.
Martin told us the reason he organized the festival in 1995. “When I heard that 35,000 people gathered for the U2’s rock concert, I wanted to organize a classical music event that could attract more people than the U2s did.”
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