Learn more about orchestras in Asia
 Asia Orchestra Week (AOW) continues to prompt a new perspective in the orchestral music that has been dominated by Europe. So far, 2,200 musicians of 22 orchestras from 13 countries participated in the festival and fascinated more than 30,000 audience members. The orchestras are as rich and diverse as their culture, and their uniqueness and potential draw much sympathy and excitement. This year sees the fifth season of AOW and the concerts are held in Tokyo and Osaka. In the exchange programs that started in the second season, selected members of the orchestras meet the pupils, students and general public in the area. The number of participants now reached over 1,000.

Korean Symphony makes a debut, Sydney Symphony returns after 10 years and Harbin Symphony with an extraordinary history makes a debut.
 The Sydney Symphony is one of the foremost orchestras of Australia. The Korean Symphony Orchestra from emerging Korea has a hidden inner power. And from Harbin, a city of China familiar to us Japanese, we have the Heilongjiang Symphony Orchestra of Harbin. In addition, the International Performing Arts Festival Orchestra is organized to represent Japan.

You should not miss the masterfully built program of each orchestra!
 The festival provides the audience with an opportunity to appreciate a work of each participating country performed by its own orchestra. In addition, the audience enjoys a symphonic work that each orchestra specializes most and a concerto in which a soloist of its won country is featured. In short, the orchestras are here to fascinate us.

Look out for talents among young soloists!
 Now, the young musicians from Asia dominate the whole world. So far, the festival has featured such musicians as 17-year-old Korean pianist, Son Yeol Eum and Chinese violinist, Lee Chang Yung, who both have established international career now. This year, we have Judi Kang with the Korean Symphony and Yang Xiaoyu from China. Though still young, they have won prizes at numerous international violin competitions.

AOW offers a perfect orchestral experience with reduced price to beginners!
 To provide more people with an opportunity for surprise and inspiration, the ticket price is reduced from the last season (¥1,000 less for S category). For students, 20% discount for all categories is applicable.

Simultaneously held is the Orchestra Summit where international orchestras meet and discuss the future.
 The biyearly summit meeting has been hosted by different countries since 1997 with the participation of the orchestras from Asia Pacific region. This year, Japan hosts the convention for the third time since 1999. Thirty or so orchestras are expected for the two-day event on October 2 and 3.

What:

Asia Orchestra week 2006
Incorporated to International Performing Arts Festival (IPAF) 2006

Where: 

Opera City Concert Hall Takemitsu Memorial, Tokyo Japan
The Symphony Hall, Osaka Japan

When:

concerts open at 7:00 p.m.

Sponsored by: IPAF Executive Committee, Agency for Cultural Affairs

In association with: Duo Japan / The Symphony Hall (Osaka)

Organized by & for further inquiries:

The Association of Japanese Symphony Orchestras (for Tokyo & Osaka)
Tel: +81 3 5610 7275      http://www.orchestra.or.jp/ (in Japanese & English)
Classic House (for Osaka only)
Tel: +81 6 6341 8116      http://www001.upp.so-net.ne.jp/aow_osaka (in Japanese & English)

Admission (Reserved seats, tax included):

For each concert: S=¥3,000 A=¥2,000 B=¥1,000 (Reserved seats, tax included)
*Student S=¥2,400 A=¥1,600 B=¥800
For 4 concerts in Tokyo: S=¥8,000 A=¥6,000 (through the Association of Japanese Symphony Orchestras only)
For 3 concerts in Osaka: S=¥6,000 A=¥4,000 (through Classic House only)

Advanced Tickets:

Ticket Pia (+81 570 02 9990) TOKYO/OSAKA
e+ (http://eee.eplus.co.jp) TOKYO/OSAKA
Association of Japanese Symphony Orchestras (+81 3 5610 7275) TOKYO
Tokyo Opera City Ticket Center (+81 3 5353 9999) TOKYO
Classic House (Tel: +81 6 6341 8116) OSAKA
ABC Ticket Center (The Symphony Hall) (+81 6 6453 6000) OSAKA

Details of the concerts / Profiles of the artists
http://www001.upp.so-net.ne.jp/aow_osaka/aow_english.html (in English)