Eriko Nakamura
Like the Theme Park of classical music
What I noticed first was a large, free of charge concert hall overflowing with a great number of people. When I saw the casually dressed audience enjoying the music, I too became relaxed, realizing that such a classical concert could also be a festival. The atmosphere was indeed amazing.
Those who perform embraced such a casual atmosphere. They understand Rene Martin’s claim that listening in a very formal way is not the only way to hear classical music. As the result of their understanding, the performers can concentrate on their performances, and the entire hall keenly appreciates the difference. In this way, all people in the hall can be excited.
The situation was not people being rude to performers during a festival. People simply moved about in the performance space where music could be heard free of charge. The space was also a passage and people moved freely in and out. In other festival halls, people behaved casually but in an appropriate way: lining up, waiting their turns, listening quietly to performances. When the performances ended, the musicians received generous, ardent applause. I was so impressed.
It is good that a performance time is short, 45 minutes. A performance ends when the audience still wants to listen a little more…such an afterglow makes us feel like going another performance.
Choosing which performances I wanted to attend from the concert schedule table is the same happiness I get in a Theme Park. Just like wanting to enjoy all the attractions, I am truly happy planning my concert schedule, so I will be able to enjoy as many concert events as possible during the limited festival time.
Performers and audiences amplify and extend their enjoyment of each other
Normally, it is difficult for audiences to go backstage after a performance to express directly to performers how they were impressed with a performance. But in LA FOLLE JOURNEE, we may be able to see concert performers heard earlier walking by us with musical instruments in their hands.
When I happened to be with Momo Kodama, a pianist, an older French couple said to her, “Momo Kodama? We were impressed at your performance, and we became your fans. We will listen to your performance tomorrow again.” I thought this a grand incident. Performers must be delighted to hear such direct messages.
The energy of the audience was transmitted to the performers, and the performers’ energy was transmitted back to the audience… The positive feelings were continuously amplified. I felt this situation was a unique experience.
When I came back from Nantes, I was totally enthralled with classical music. Listening to classical music at home became normal. Plus, my daughter happily listens, swaying to the music in front of the speakers.
Expectation Toward LA FOLLE JOURNEE au Japan
 I visited LA FOLLE JOURNEE for magazine coverage*. While covering the story, some local people in Nantes spoke to me, saying, “This festival is going to be held in Japan, isn’t it?” I said, “Yes.” And people were glad to hear that and thanked me.
Also in the performance halls, a woman sitting in front of me, looked back at me and kindly said, “Are you Japanese? We appreciate your visit here. Thank you.” I was totally impressed that people in Nantes not involved in festival planning would say that they were glad to see Japanese people coming to Nantes.
Another person said, “This is being held in Japan, isn’t it?” pointing at a festival poster. She added, “Thank you, I’m so glad.” Though I am not a promoter, I felt emotional listening to her.
I think that Nantes people feel proud that the festival, born in their own town, will be held over the world, especially in Tokyo. They seem to have a feeling that “It is a good thing that such a great event like this extends out into the world, and we thank you accepting our great event.”
As a Japanese person, such a message from people in Nantes made me feel glad. I hope this year’s Tokyo festival will become successful, and I hope it will be held every year.
Child-friendly classical music
Though it may be normal for people in Nantes, I was surprised that many groups of pre- schoolers came to the festival. In Nantes, children, listened quietly to the performances. In Japan, it is difficult for us to go to a classical music concert with children.
I have a small child, so I was impressed that there were many people in Nantes wheeling baby carriages at the festival. Such people may not be able to enter a large concert hall, but they can enjoy a free performance in some halls. There, they can leave if their babies start crying. I felt that I could mimic their behavior because seeing such people with babies encouraged me to include my daughter.
As children have more sensitive ears than adults, it is very important for them to experience live performances. I feel that when I see my daughter enjoying a musical experience. Her entire body moves to the rhythm of the music she hears.
Tokyo International Forum is located in an especially convenient location in Tokyo. We can go to see a movie or shop between concerts ? it seems nice for us to hear classical music in such a casual, relaxed atmosphere.
People, who rarely go to a classical music concert, visit Ginza and may happen to listen to the concert. It’s an ideal situation, isn’t it?
TIF is located in a place where all people from children to adults will enjoy. You can go to a cafe in Marunouchi, or spend your time in Ginza and return to TIF again. In this respect, Tokyo has merits that Nantes does not have. Plus, the festival in Tokyo is being held during the warm season, a better time of year compared to winter when the festival was held in Nantes.
I am looking forward to LA FOLLE JOURNEE, and I hope that many people will participate in the festival.
*Ms. Nakamura’s article appears in the April 5 issue of “FRaU” (released on March 22 by Kodansha).
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