NHK Symphony Orchestra facts for kids
The NHK Symphony Orchestra is a famous Japanese orchestra based in Tokyo, Japan. In Japanese, its name is NHK交響楽団, which sounds like "Enueichikei Kōkyō Gakudan." This orchestra started way back in 1926. Back then, it was called the New Symphony Orchestra. It was actually the first big professional orchestra in Japan!
Later, its name changed to the Japan Symphony Orchestra. Then, in 1951, it began getting support from the Japanese radio station NHK (Nippon Hōsō Kyōkai). That's when it got its current name! Many people think it's the best orchestra in Japan. They have traveled and performed all over the world, even at the famous BBC Proms in London.
Today, Vladimir Ashkenazy is a very important conductor for the orchestra. He is known as their conductor laureate. Charles Dutoit is another key leader, serving as music director emeritus. Wolfgang Sawallisch was also an honorary conductor laureate.
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Who Leads the Orchestra?
The NHK Symphony Orchestra has been led by many talented conductors over the years. These leaders help the musicians play together perfectly. They guide the orchestra through different pieces of music.
Early Conductors and Leaders
When the orchestra first started, it had several important conductors.
- Josef König led the orchestra from 1927 to 1929.
- Hidemaro Konoye was also an early leader, from 1926 to 1935.
- Joseph Rosenstock was a full-time conductor for a long time, from 1936 to 1946. He later returned as Principal Conductor.
Important Conductors Through the Years
Many other conductors have shaped the orchestra's sound.
- Kurt Wöss was a Principal Conductor in the early 1950s.
- Hiroyuki Iwaki was a Permanent Conductor for many years, from 1969 to 2006.
- Yuzo Toyama has been a Permanent Conductor since 1979.
- Hiroshi Wakasugi also served as a Permanent Conductor from 1995 to 2009.
Modern and Honorary Conductors
In more recent times, some very famous names have worked with the orchestra.
- Charles Dutoit was the Principal Conductor and then Music Director from 1996 to 2003. He is now the Music Director Emeritus.
- Vladimir Ashkenazy was the Music Director from 2004 to 2007. He is now an Honorary Conductor Laureate.
- André Previn joined as a Principal Guest Conductor in 2009.
- Tadaaki Otaka became a Permanent Conductor in 2010.
- Other honorary conductors include Herbert Blomstedt, Horst Stein, and Otmar Suitner. These conductors have a special connection with the orchestra.
