Takefu International Music Festival 2004 is one of the most popular music festivals for contemporary music in Japan and marks its 15th anniversary this year. It will feature French music, the genuine art of music created through the tradition and history of Paris. Many masterpieces by composers such as Debussy, Ravel, Fauré, Saint-Saens, and Messiaen, who were active in the 18th through 20th centuries, will be performed.

 In addition, the festival will include the 4th Takefu International Composition Workshop, which enables young composers to get together to cultivate their skills. This workshop is expected to contribute to the further development of music in Japan and support young composers' music activities.

 The festival will offer a fun-filled eight days of musical events in which people can enjoy music for the 21st century. There will be various talented artists from Japan and other countries who are eager to perform contemporary music. They include Naoko Yoshino (harp), Toshiya Suzuki (recorder), Mayumi Miyata ('sho,' i.e, Shinto flute), Yumi Nara (soprano), Eduard Brunner (clarinet), Bary Snyder (piano), and the Arditti String Quartet, all under festival music director Toshio Hosokawa.

 In partnership with the artists, this festival will be held to deepen people's appreciation of music as well as to promote community enrichment.

 For additional information about the Takefu International Music Festival, please visit:
http://www.necsoft.co.jp/takefu/

 This music festival is supported by NEC Soft, Ltd.