Commemorative Concert of the 53rd Suntory Music Award

Yoshimichi Hamada, Conductor & Recorder , Handel’s Rinaldo

The annual Suntory Music Award, initiated in 1969, is presented to individuals or ensembles for notable contributions to the development of Western-style music in Japan. Yoshimichi Hamada, internationally recognised as a recorder and cornett player, has in recent years turned his attention to conducting early operas, from Monteverdi and Caccini to the operas of Baroque era with his early music orchestra Anthonello.  

In this performance of Rinaldo, Hamada will not only conduct, but also take part in the ensemble as a recorder player, displaying his virtuosity. The outstanding cast includes leading countertenor Tadashi Miroku in the title role (one of four countertenors in this performance), and two sopranos, Shiho Nakagawa (Almirena) and Miki Nakayama (Armida). No doubt many will be familiar with Almirena’s heart-stopping aria Lascia chi’o pianga in Act II, one of many attractive moments in the opera.  

Rinaldo will be presented as a staged performance directed by Keiichi Nakamura, with projections, lighting, costumes, and dance, and performed in Italian with Japanese surtitles. Based on his deep and highly original interpretation of the score, Hamada is sure to conjure up an exciting stage full of unpredictability, flexibility, and improvisation.  

Text by Nahoko Gotoh 

Details of Commemorative Concert of the 53rd Suntory Music Award can be found at the following: 
https://www.suntory.com/culture-sports/suntoryhall/article/detail/001489.html 

For further information and press photos, please contact: 
suntoryhall-pr@suntory.co.jp 
Public Relations, Suntory Hall 

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