Notable web postings - March 2017
Continued from Notable web postings - February 2018
Older notable web postings are collected at Notable web postings archival
♪ debut 10 years Japan recital Tour 辻井伸行 日本ツア Feb 18 - Mar 24
Please visit these pages for news, comments, photos and videos =>
debut 10 years Japan recital Tour part 1
"Debut 10 Years" Japan Tour - part 2
♪ Congratulations to Mr. Nobuyuki Tsujii on his first collaboration with famous composer Mr. Joe Hisaishi
This amusing tweet sums up how Japan react to the news:
https://twitter.com/28laurant_azusa/status/972058817377660929
久石譲と辻井伸行とか神じゃん？
Joe Hisaishi and Nobuyuki Tsujii and God?
♪ March 30 Another happy surprise -- Nobuyuki Tsujii plays Kapustin in Germany August 5 2018
I have known for some time that Nobuyuki Tsujii will be performing at a summer festival in Friedrichshafen, Germany this August, but with all the exciting happenings of Nobu, I had neglected to keep an eye on this concert.
The 2018 KULTURUFER FRIEDRICHSHAFEN is described as "a large ten-day [summer] festival with music and dance, theater and cabaret in a total of 30 tent events." Friedrichshafen is a lakeside city in Southern Germany. Nobu's performance takes place in the evening 20:00 of the last day August 5 of the festival.
Thanks to sharp-eyed Nobu fan sunsoon, it is now known that Nobu is scheduled to perform the recital repertoire that he has performed on his just completed and very successful Debut 10 Years" Japan Tour. I have to admit that this took me by (happy) surprise!
http://kultur-friedrichshafen.de/nobuyuki-tsujii-2/<== tickets are only 20 € each
♪ March 30 A surprise performance with mentor Yutaka Sado
There has been murmurs on the web about an upcoming performance of Nobu with his long-time mentor Conductor Yutaka Sado.
Nobu fan Yuki just tweeted:
https://twitter.com/yuki171208021/status/979375189740871680
こんな企画が✨ フェニーチェ堺presents 南宗寺の宴〜利休に捧ぐ〜2018 5/26-6/14 6/14 (木)18時開演 辻井伸行(ピアノ)×佐渡裕(フルートとリコーダー) 他にも山下洋輔さん、平原綾香さん さだまさしさん などが出演 各公演限定112名 料金700円
Fenice Sakai presents Nanshū-ji temple dedicated to Rikyu ~ 2018 5/26 - 6/14 6/14 (Thu) 18 o'clock opening Nobuyuki Tsujii (piano) × Hiroshi Sado (flute and recorder)
Also Yosuke Yamashita, Ms. Ayaka Hirahara, Masashi Sada etc will make appearances Each performance limited to 112 people Price 700 yen
Nanshū-ji temple is a historic temple in Osaka. nAccording to Yuki-san, Sado holds an academic degree in flute.
It seems this is a gathering for talk and music, not a formal concert.
The event is a dedication to Rikyū, considered the historical figure with the most profound influence on the Japanese "Way of Tea".
♪ March 27 Standing room tickets for Osaka Miura Fumiaki × Nobuyuki Tsujii Duo Recital
As the performance (Program A - Brahm's "Rain" Sonata) at the Osaka Symphony Hall on July 16 (holiday) has sold out all regular seats (1,704), STANDING ROOMS are now available at 5,000 yen (~50USD) each on ticket outlet pia. Unbelievable!
♪ March 29 An encounter of a blind 6th grader in Okinawa with Nobuyuki Tsujii
A charming article posted by 琉球新報 The Ryukyua Shimpo (Okinawa News) about a blind 6th grader who admires Nobu and was able to visit the pianist backstage after the Okinawa recital last night.
Please click link to read the original article in Japanese => 琉球新報 The Ryukyua Shimpo (Okinawa News) and also Yahoo-Japan
An English translation can be found here => An encounter of a blind 6th grader in Okinawa with Nobuyuki Tsujii
PHOTO caption 緊張した様子で辻井伸行さん（右）と握手をする宮城翔君＝２８日夜、宜野湾市の沖縄コンベンションセンター劇場棟
In a state of nervousness, Shiro Miyagi shakes hands with Mr. Nobuyuki Tsujii (right), on the night of the 28th, at the Okinawa convention center theater, Ginowan city
♪ March 28 Coming up in 2019: Shotakovich Piano & Trumpet Concerto No. 1
News came today from Japan's Orchestra Ensemble Kanazawa (OEK), announcing its "2018-2019 Regular Performance Lineup." OEK is a frequent partner of Nobuyuki Tsujii; I believe they have performed together at least once every year since at least 2009. Sharp-eyed Nobu fan sunsoon spotted a performance of Nobu in the photo accompanying the orchestra's tweet.
https://twitter.com/sunsoon16/status/978631942429028354
2019/7/18 19:00
パトリック・ハーン指揮 Conducted by Patrick Hahn
ピアノ 辻井伸行 Pianist Nobuyuki Tsujii
トランペット ルシアンヌ・ルノダン＝ヴァリ Trumpet Lucienne Renaudin Vary
ショスターコヴィチ ピアノ協奏曲第一番 Shostakovich Piano [and Trumpet] Concerto No. 1
石川県立音楽堂 Ishikawa prefectural concert hall
This is exciting news. Shostakovich Piano Concerto No. 1 is a new addition to the repertoire of Nobu Tsujii. Where does he find time to learn all these challenging works amid such a busy schedule!
In addition, the co-performers are noteworthy. Conductor Patrick Hahn and Trumpet Lucienne Renaudin Vary are music wunderkinds.
Mr. Hahn is Austrian and was born in 1995 (age 23) and Ms. Vary is French and was born in 1999 (age 19).
Nobu will be the old man of the trio! All three are artists represented by the talent agency Harrison Parrot.
More at => Nobuyuki Tsujii plays Shotakovich Piano & Trumpet Concerto No. 1
♪ March 27 "Nobuyuki Tsujii puts his soul into this performance."
Yet one more mentioning of the "Pianist in Tears" video (~18 million views), with a nice comment.
https://twitter.com/Bizlaunch180/status/978498533119709186 (J.D. Stewart tweet)
Nobuyuki Tsujii puts his soul into this performance. He's also blind. To put your soul into something you love is why we exist but some never find it.
The performance is Nobu's elegy for earthquake victims at the Carnegie Hall -- 18 million views on YouTube => https://youtu.be/LqoV4ZW7xTA
♪ March 26 Mezzo TV appearance?? -- A Case of Mistaken Identity
UPDATE:
Mr. Asano, the manager of Nobu, let me know that Nobu did not perform in this concert but was actually *IN THE AUDIENCE* instead. It was pianist Daniil Trifonov who played the Prokofiev No. 3 on that day. Nobu did perform Beethoven's "Emperor" in a concert the very next day with Maestro Valery Gergiev & the Mariinsky Theatre orchestra. So, I think the mentioning of Nobu on this announcement was a -- sadly to us Nobuyuki Tsujii Fans -- a case of mistaken identity. It does make me wonder how the confusion happened. But it's good to know that Nobu took time to be in the audience at this performance.
Earlier, I posted:
This announcement of a Mezzo TV broadcast came up. Mezzo TV is France's classical music TV channel.
It says:
"Prokofiev by Valery Gergiev: Piano Concertos Nos 3, 4 & 5
Mariinsky Theatre Orchestra, Saint Petersburg, Valery Gergiev (Conductor)
Daniil Trifonov, Sergei Redkin, Sergei Babayan (piano)
Sergei Prokofiev
Symphony no. 4, op. 47
Piano Concerto no. 3 in C major, op. 26 (Nobuyuki Tsujii) <==
Piano Concerto no. 4 in B flat major, op. 53 (Sergei Redkin)
Piano Concerto no. 5 in G major, op. 55 (Sergei Babayan)
Symphony no. 5 in B flat major, op. 100
Recorded at the Mariinsky III, Saint Petersburg on April 24, 2016 <==
TV direction by François-René Martin"
Nobu did perform "Emperor" in St. Petersburg on April 25 2016 in St. Petersburg, and I did wonder at the time why he was not invited to play the no. 3 on the day before, as he did once in Italy with Gergiev. I would love to see this performance if indeed it is by Nobu. So I have put in an inquiry to the station and to Nobu's management. I think the mentioning of Nobu is a mistake (and he is not mentioned on the 3rd line of the announcement) - I think it was Trifonov who performed the no. 3 instead. But it's worth asking.
PHOTO: Nobu enters the Mariinsky Theatre stage with Maestro Gergiev on April 25 2016 = > Nobuyuki Tsujii in St. Petersburg April 25 2016
♪ March 25 12 stops on 2018 Japan Tour with Iceland Symphony Orchestra
Twitter Sumie wrote that after hanami (cherry blossoms viewing), she stopped by the Kawasaki Music Hall and saw a handbill that lists a full list of 12 performances, "nationwide from Sapporo to Kyushu."
https://twitter.com/aomidori0027/status/977882855798849537
お花見の帰りに立ち寄ったミューザ川崎のラックで早くもこのチラシを発見😋アシュケナージ×辻井伸行 🎹ツアーは札幌から九州まで全国12ヶ所の大規模なものと知る。
♪ Nobu & Fumi recital tickets battle -- update
Tickets came on general sale this morning for the July 16 Osaka stop of the 2018 Miura Fumiaki × Nobuyuki Tsujii Duo Recital Japan Tour.
Yura wrote:
https://twitter.com/icoyuraco/status/977715706119598080
大阪シンフォニーホール 今朝10時一般発売は アクセス集中で3分後開いたら、もう予定枚数終了してました❗️買えませんでした💦 戻りを待ちま~す😭 《デュオ・リサイタル》
Osaka Symphony Hall. This morning at 10 o'clock general release started. Three minutes after access concentration, already planned number has ended (the quantity of tickets allotted to that particular site have sold out). I could not buy.Waiting for return tickets.
Another twitter wrote that even though she was able to get ticket for a show by the gold medalist figure skater Hanyu, she had no luck with the Fumi & Nobu recital.
Another twitter, a fan of the violinist implores Avex to stop pairing the violinist with Nobu because she could not get tickets.
Meanwhile, ticket scalpers are already selling tickets at an inflated price.
Thus far, on pia tickets have sold out for the performances in Tokyo, Osaka, Fukuoka, Hokkaido.
However, the July 18 stop in 静岡県 Shizouka prefecture has availability on the pia ticket site.
♪ March 23 A "Secondary marketplace" for Tickets to Nobu's Japan concerts
It is not easy to get tickets to Nobu's concerts in Japan, especially for those of us outside Japan. For one thing, a Japan credit card is required, and you have to navigate the Japanese websites, a tricky undertaking even with help from Google translate.
This "worldwide secondary marketplace" site offers tickets for Nobuyuki Tsujii concerts in Japan.
Disclaimer: I have not tried it, and the price tag is likely very high.
But if nothing else there is a helpful list of concerts (in English).
https://www.viagogo.com/Concert-Tickets/World-Music/Nobuyuki-Tsujii-Tickets
♪ March 21 2018 misinformation on Nobuyuki Tsujii UPDATE
For years, I have waged a lonely battle on the web about misinformation that regularly showed up about Nobu's disability.
Perhaps because of some unusual mannerism of Nobu -- related to his blindness -- rumours have proliferated on the web that, in addition to his blindness, Nobu has other disabilities such as mental disorder, autism, or -- most often mentioned -- Down Syndrome.
I have the greatest respect for people with any of these disabilities, but it is disrespectful to them as well to Mr. Nobuyuki Tsujii himself to attribute to him disabilities that he does not have. My suspicion is that because of his rising fame, Nobu is being made into a poster child for some people's political or social agenda.
The Down Syndrome rumor, especially, seems to be widespread and persistent in Spanish postings.
Below is a screen grab from a September 4 2017 posting
http://noticieros.televisa.com/videos/pianista-invidente-y-sindrome-down-rompe-barreras/#
Noticieros Televista , a division of the Mexican Televisa radio and television network, posted Nobu's 2013 BBC Proms Debut performance with the heading "Pianista invidente y con Síndrome de Down rompe barreras (translated from Spanish : Blind and Down Syndrome pianist overcomes barriers)"
So it really made my day that, on this day (march 21 2018), a Spanish Twitter speaks up against yet another misleading posting.
The misleading posting, in Spanish, is typical of its kind
https://twitter.com/OrcasitasC/status/976491003367616512
"Nobuyuki Tsujii,tiene 28 años. Y es capaz de interpretar "La Campanella" de forma magistral, incluso mejor que el compositor de la pieza Frans Liszt . Es un artista genial que además es ciego y tiene Síndrome de Down".
["Nobuyuki Tsujii is 28 years old and is able to perform 'La Campanella' masterfully, even better than the composer of the piece Franz Liszt, he is a brilliant artist who is also blind and has Down Syndrome".]
The tweet that made my day was posted in response to that
https://twitter.com/AntoniaMoler/status/976465436928815104
Qué gran bulo!! El pianista se llama Nobuyuki Tsujii y no tiene Síndrome de Down, simplemente es japonés y ciego. En estos dos enlaces desmienten esta estupidez de bulo. https://www.blindworlds.com/publicacion/17666 …https://sites.google.com/site/nobufans/nobuyuki-faq/faq---2 … Hay que pensar un poquito antes de creerse cualquier cosa.
[What a great hoot !! The pianist is called Nobuyuki Tsujii and he does not have Down Syndrome, he is simply Japanese and blind. In these two links deny this stupidity of hoax. https://www.blindworlds.com/publicacion/17666 ... https://sites.google.com/site/nobufans/nobuyuki-faq/faq---2 [a page on this site]... You have to think a little before you believe anything.]
The second page mentioned in the tweet was posted by me, but the first one I was unaware of till now. It turns out to be a publication in Spanish.
I am grateful that reasonable people have joined me in speaking out against the misinformation.
More at => Please stop spreading misinformation on Nobuyuki Tsujii!
March 18
Toyota Inc. tweeted: "Today, 3 (mu) 1 (jit) 9 (k) # Music Day [3-1-9 spoken in Japanese sounds like 'music'] 'Toyota Community Concert' supports the performance of amateur orchestras throughout Japan. [Last September] we invited Mr. Nobuyuki Tsujii, a world-class pianist, to be our guest, and a Kochi performance wrapped in excitement was delivered."
The tweet links to a video of Nobu in a performance last September with the Shikoku Philharmonic, a community orchestra. See also => http://mlliu2006.blogspot.com/…/nobuyuki-tsujii-with-shikok…
The video referred to is also on YouTube => https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-pW7bZtySug
♪ Has the "Me Too" movement not reached Japan???
This is the 2nd web posting today that makes me want to scream.
TokaiTV 東海テレビ hosts "super classical concerts" each year.
This page lists this year's line up => http://tokai-tv.com/events/scc2018/
As much as I enjoy seeing many of the performers that I respect in this year's lineup -- Nobuyuki Tsujii, Vladimir Ashkenazy, Valery Gergiev, Y utaka Sado, Fumiaki Miura -- it sickens me to see the two women shown in such provocative outfits among men in dignified portraits. It repels me to see Nobu being included on such a distasteful display.
It repels me to see Nobu being included on such a distasteful display.
♪ Breaking News 2018 "THE PIANIST!" Nobuyuki Tsujii, Fazil Say & Les Freres
In summers past, Nobu has joined some fellow Avex performers on a THE PIANIST! tour in Japan. The most recent was "The Pianist 2016" Tour with 加古隆 Kako Takashi and レ･フレールLes Freres, July 14-30 2016. These tours have proven wildly popular.
It seems they are back at it this summer, but with a new participant: renowned Turkish pianist Fazil Say.
This announcement just came up, mentioning three performances in August - but there may well be other performances.
As listed, Nobu will play some of the pieces that he is performing currently on his recital tour (Gershwin, Kapustin & his own compositions) .
In the past, the part that proved most popular was the finale, when all the pianists played together on stage on three different pianos.
http://ints.co.jp/the-pianist2018/index.htm
English information => 2018 "THE PIANIST!" Nobuyuki Tsujii, Fazil Say & Les Freres
♪ March 20 Hot ticket: Nobuyuki Tsujii performs in Sept 2 Japan-Sweden celebration concert
The ROYAL STOCKHOLM PHILHARMONIC ORCHESTRA and their chief conductor Sakari Oramo will be in Japan this September, in celebration of the 150th anniversary of the Japan-Sweden diplomatic relationship. Tickets came on "first-come-first-serve" sale for the three performances at 11AM today. Not surprisingly, the one with Nobu sold out promptly on ticket site "pia" (see screen shot below, taken at 12:30AM Japan time), while the other two shows have plenty of availability. General sale starts on March 31 10AM. [This seems to be how the system works in Japan: First, people who have special memberships may buy advance tickets. Then, people who are willing to pay extra can buy "first-come-first-serve" pre-sale tickets. Finally, tickets are released to the general public. Sometimes, people can also pay to enter a lottery for advance tickets.]
In June Nobuyuki Tsujii performs Ravel's piano concerto in G major with conductor Yutaka Sado and his Tonkünstler Orchester
There are 4 performances:
https://www.tonkuenstler.at/de/tickets/313-dvorak-8-1
June 2 18:30 Grafenegg Auditorium
June 3 15:30 Wien Musikverein | Großer Saal (Golden Hall)
June 4 19:30 St. Pölten Festspielhaus | Großer Saal
June 5 19:30 Wien Musikverein | Großer Saal
As of March 20, tickets have sold well for the two shows in the Golden Hall, where I believe it is usual for performances to sell out.
June 3rd show (left) ; June 5th (right) -- unsold seats are colored.
>
♪ 2018 "THE PIANIST!" Nobuyuki Tsujii, Fazil Say & Les Freres
In summers past, Nobu has joined some fellow Avex performers on a THE PIANIST! tour in Japan.
The most recent was "The Pianist 2016" Tour with 加古隆 Kako Takashi and レ･フレールLes Freres, July 14-30 2016. These tours have proved wildly popular.
It seems they are back at it this summer, but with a new participant: renowned Turkish pianist Fazil Say.
This announcement just came up, mentioning these performances in August & September: 8/29&30 Tokyo, 8/31 Yokohama, 9/4 Kyoto, 9/5 Osaka, 9/6 Nagoya, 9/8 Sasebo, 9/9 Oita.
As listed, Nobu will play some of the pieces that he is performing currently on his recital tour (Gershwin, Kapustin & his own compositions) .
In the past, the part that proved most popular was the finale, when all the pianists played together on stage on three different pianos.
http://ints.co.jp/the-pianist2018/index.htm
English information => 2018 "THE PIANIST!" Nobuyuki Tsujii, Fazil Say & Les Freres♪ March 18 2018 Japan Tour with Iceland Symphony Orchestra Tickets on sale
Advance lottery ticket sales for 4 performances in the Tokyo start today; general sales start in April
Lawson Tickets This page also shows a performance in Fukuoka on November 10
♪ March 14 19:00 Grieg's concerto with Hiroshima Symphony Orchestra and conductor Tatsuya Shimono, 鹿児 島市民文化ホール Kagoshim Civic Culture Hall
This week, Nobu takes a break from the "Debut 10 Years" Japan Tour to performs Grieg's concerto with the Hiroshima Symphony Orchestra 広島交響楽団 and their music director 下野竜也 Tatsuya Shimono, Nobu's former university professor and a long-time advisors.
The concert is held in celebration of 明治維新150周年記念 the 150th anniversary of Meiji Restoration, an significant historical turning point in Japan.
The orchestra's facebook page posted this photo of Nobu with Maestro Shimono at rehearsal. Nobu is wearing his camouflage patterned long-sleeve shirt that we have seen before, apparently a recent favorite. He is seated at the piano with the conductor standing behind, with hands on Nobu's shoulders. They are smiling happily. In the background the orchestra members can be seen.
It says in the posting that a few of the most expensive seats are still available.
♪ March 14 Kagoshima News
https://373news.com/_news/?storyid=91108
鹿児島市出身の指揮者・下野さん、辻井さんと共演 「西郷どん」披露
Kagoshima born condcutor Mr. Shimono, and Mr. Tsujii co-performed. "Saigo Don" showcased.
広島交響楽団（広響）の公演が１４日夜、鹿児島市民文化ホールであり、同市出身の指揮者下野竜也さん（４８）のタクトで、ピアニスト辻井伸行さん（２９）とともに美しい音色を響かせた。下野さんが指揮を務めるＮＨＫ大河ドラマ「西郷どん」のテーマ曲も奏で、聴衆２０００人が酔いしれた。
下野さんは、２０１７年４月から広響の音楽総監督を務める。鹿児島の作曲家、故郡山脩さんの南国情緒あふれる、オーケストラのための「えらぶの歌」で幕開け。グリーグ「ピアノ協奏曲」、ドボルザーク「新世界より」をダイナミックに披露した。
The Hiroshima Symphony Orchestra (Hiroiko) performed at the Kagoshima Citizens' Cultural Hall on the evening of the 14th, generating a beautiful sound under the baton of Mr. Tatsuya Shimono (48), a conductor from the city, with pianist Mr. Nobuyuki Tsujii (29) pianist. Mr. Shimono also conducted the theme song of the NHK Taiga Drama "Saigo Don", 2000 audiences got drunk [from the music].
Mr. Shimono has served as director general of music since April 2017. The concert opened with a "medley of songs" by Kagoshima's composer Yamaoka Yama, followed by Grieg's "Piano Concerto" and Dvorak 's New World " ...
A photo accompanied the article, showing Nobu bowing to the audience, with the conductor and the orchestra behind him.
♪ March 15 A Thrilling Night in Kagoshima
It took me a while to piece things together, but this breathless instagram explains the excitement of last night's concert well.
It seems the orchestra played local favorite works, including an orchestra encore of theme music for a TV drama series, joined by Nobu.
And Nobu even charmed the crowd by saying a few things in the local dialect.
https://www.instagram.com/p/BgUZJEGFmCI/
魂を揺さぶられました！ 【明治維新150周年記念 指揮 下野竜也氏 ピアノ 辻井伸行氏
による広島交響楽団演奏会】
The soul was shaken! 【150th anniversary of the Meiji Restoration Mr. Tatsuya Shimoji; Piano Nobuyuki Tsujii; Hiroshima Symphony Orchestra concer
It seems the Grieg's concerto was chosen because it was composed 150 years ago, and the concert was performed in celebration of the 150th anniversary of Japan's Meiji Restoration.
The first half ends with the Grieg and Nobu playing Chopin's posthumous nocturne for encore.
Then, in the 2nd half, it was Dvorak's "New World" symphony, and a big surprise for an encore. Nobu returned to the stage to perform with the orchestra the theme music of a NHK TV drama called "Saigo Don", about that historical period.
"More exciting bonus - In addition to Shimono's Kagoshima dialect (he is from Kagoshima), Mr. Tsujii spoke in Kagoshima dialect 'Okay Saa' and 'Saigo Don'." Very nice and charming, everyone was delighted. "
I think lots of people in Japan would wish to have been there last night.
I started a page to collect this and other postings about this performance => March 14 Grieg's Concerto with Hiroshima Symphony Orchestra
♪ March 12 Nobuyuki Tsujii plays Kapustin -- Osaka reactions
#コンサート備忘録 -後半- .
プログラム最後の曲
『8つの演奏会用エチュード』/カプースチン
Concert memorandum - second half -.
Program's last song
"8 concert etudes" / Kapustin
その演奏は出だしから今まで見たことない辻井くんと
力強い音とメロディで衝撃的やった。
あんなんもう波動拳レベルやわ…👐⚡️
This performance started with something that I never saw from Mr. Tsujii
I was stunned by the powerful sounds and melodies. It was something of fist-waving level!
More at => Nobuyuki Tsujii plays Kapustin -- Osaka reactions
♪ March 11 Watch/listen while you can ...
This hour-long video "Noburyuuki Tsujii's road to world renown" just showed up on YouTube.
It is a 2009/2010 documentary aired in Japan, chronicling Nobu's childhood, his entry at the 2005 Chopin Competition, and his victory at the 2009 Cliburn Competition.
The beginning footage shows Mr. Masahiro Kawakami, Nobu's childhood teacher, explaining how Nobu learns by listening to cassette tapes that he made for him, with notes of each hand recorded separately -- take a look at the large number of tapes shown! Unfortunately, the video is distorted due to incorrect aspect ratio, but the audio is fine. It's worth taking a look or listening to.
Link at => https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k4fsNhXKxZc
♪ High definition video of March 5 Tokai TV appearance => https://www.dailymotion.com/embed/video/x6foe4f
We can now see a high quality video of Nobu's March 5 appearance on the TV show "Switch" aired in Japan in Aichi, Gifu & Mie.
He performed "Clair de Lune" live, and, according to Yura-san (who mentioned the video on Twitter), commented "I respect Ms. Mao Asada [figure skater]. Her strength in performance is similar to mine." He also promoted his upcoming May 17 performance in Aichi with the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic.
The direct link to the video is at https://www.dailymotion.com/embed/video/x6foe4f OR https://www.dailymotion.com/video/x6foe4f
Also viewable below.
In the video, Nobu is nattily outfitted in a blue/grey business suit, with a wide blue patterned neck tie, complete with a pocket handkerchief.
He is notably calm in this footage, in fact, he appears more collected than the 5 presenters surrounding him. Nobu has really matured ^_^
Some still photos from the video can be found at => Nobuyuki Tsujii March 5 Tokai TV appearance
♪ March 11 Suntory Hall Photo
@SuntoryHallE posted this fine photo of Nobuyuki Tsujii's latest performances at the renowned venue, on Feb 28 & March 1. The venue posts a photo of each of the performances that took place on its stages, so this is nothing out of the ordinary. But Nobu is a frequent guest there and has appeared in his shares of official photos issued by Suntory.
More photos from the Suntory Hall recitals can be found at => debut 10 years Japan recital Tour (part 1)
♪ More on Ticket Battle for Nobu & Fumi Recitals
Tickets came on advance sale on March 7 for the Fukuoka performance.
This is one person's experience ^-^
https://twitter.com/rumirumi0118/status/972302857562087424
三浦文彰×辻井伸行ジュオリサイタル先行431席。。。 取れませんでした(＞＜) 次は一般販売頑張りますよー💪 夜中2時には並んでたらしい😱
Miura Fumiaki × Nobuyuki Tsujii recital advance tickets 431 seats... I was not able to take it. The next time, I will do the general sales at two o'clock in the morning
UPDATE: ON March 11, tickets for the Fukuoka duo recital came on general sale -- sold out in minutes, according to Yura.
♪ "Untitled Concert" recording session with Nobu & Fumi
The program lists a filming session on April 3, with Nobu & Fumi as guests. Tickets can be "applied for" by mail.
http://www.tv-asahi.co.jp/daimei_2017/sphone/Viewing/
2018年4月3日（火）収録
会 場 東京オペラシティ コンサートホール
開 場 17時30分予定
開 演 18時45分予定
ゲスト 三浦文彰、辻󠄀井伸行、伊藤多喜雄 ほか
応募締切 2018年3月20日（火）必着
From what I heard, these tickets are hard to come by. But we can look forward to seeing the dynamic duo on an episode of the show some time in April/May.
♪ More on Ticket Battle for Nobu & Fumi Recitals
Tickets came on advance sale on March 7 for the Fukuoka performance.
This is one person's experience ^-^
https://twitter.com/rumirumi0118/status/972302857562087424
三浦文彰×辻井伸行ジュオリサイタル先行431席。。。 取れませんでした(＞＜) 次は一般販売頑張りますよー💪 夜中2時には並んでたらしい😱
Miura Fumiaki × tsujii Nobuyuki Juorisital ahead 431 seats... I was not able to take it. The next time, I will do the general sales at two o'clock in the morning
♪ "The Parking Lots will be Full"
Previously, I had mistakenly written that there are 14 performances on Nobu's ongoing "debut 10 years" recital tour.
There are actually 13; I had mistakenly counted one orchestra performance weaved in between tonight's concert in Osaka and the next recital in Hokkaido.
On March 14 WED 19:00 Nobu performs Grieg's concerto with the Hiroshima Symphony Orchestra 広島交響楽団 and conductor 下野竜也 Tatsuya Shimono, Nobu's former university professor and a long-time advisors.
The venue has already posted an advance alert that the parking lots will be full on the day and advise concert-goers to allow for extra time.
https://twitter.com/kagoshibunhall/status/972013145030930432
演奏会当日は駐車場の満車が予想されます。お時間に余裕をもってご来館ください。 皆様に気持ち良く演奏会を楽しんでいただくため、周りの方にもお伝えください。 皆さまのご来館をお待ちしております。
♪ March 9 Flowers for Mr. Miura
A photo posted on Twitter of violinist Fumiaki Miura at Tokyo's Kioi Hall, where he performed a duo recital with a violist. They are standing in front of flower displays in the lobby. The leftmost one is from his good friend Nobuyuki Tsujii, as the sign on top of the flowers says.
In Japan, it is customary for these sumptuous (and expensive) flower displays adorn the lobby of a concert hall before the start of a performance, the more the better.
The dynamic duo will perform together many times this year, including concerts in Japan with the Liverpool Phil in May as well as a duo recital tour in Japan this summer.
♪ March 8/9 Nobu performs on September 2 for Japan-Sweden celebration
[It just occurred to me: I wonder if the Emperor of Japan and/or Sweden might attend this concert! It's just a thought, I am not trying to stir up rumors.]
2018 marks the 150th year of Japan's diplomatic relationship with Sweden.
For some time now, I have known that Nobuyuki Tsujii will perform with the ROYAL STOCKHOLM PHILHARMONIC ORCHESTRA and their chief conductor Sakari Oramo in September, as one of the celebratory events.
Image source: TicketSpace
The concert has now been officially announced on Nobu's official website, on the ePlus ticket site and elsewhere. Tickets come on sale on March 31st.
#ロイヤル・ストックホルム・フィルハーモニー
Royal Stockholm Philharmonic
#スウェーデン日本国交150周年記念コンサート
Sweden Japan diplomatic 150th anniversary concert
2018/9/2 14:00
サントリーホール サカリ・オラモ指揮 ロイヤル・ストックホルム・フィルハーモニー管弦楽団特別演奏会 ピアノ：辻井伸行
ムンクテル：砕ける波 ベートーヴェン：ピアノ協奏曲第五番≪皇帝≫ ピアノ：辻井伸行 チャイコフスキー：交響曲第五番
Suntory Hall. Sakari Oramo Conductor; Royal Stockholm Philharmonic Orchestra Special Concert , Piano: Nobuyuki Tsujii
Munktell: Broken waves
Beethoven: Piano Concerto No. 5 «Emperor» Piano: Nobuyuki Tsujii
Tchaikovsky: Symphony No. 5
It is a big honor for Nobu to perform in this high-profile diplomatic concert in his native Japan, with a top conductor and orchestra. In the past, Nobu has appeared many times in concerts overseas as a cultural ambassador for Japan, but this is the first time in his own country.
Tickets come on sale March 31. A single ticket for the best seats is priced at 18,000Y (~180USD), or a set of tickets for all three shows (one only with Nobu) at 36,000Y.
More at => Nobuyuki Tsujii performs in Sept 2 Japan-Sweden celebration concert
♪ Contrasting Reactions to Concert Announcements
This has been a newsy week. By far most of the reactions go to the film music collaboration with composer Mr. Joe Hisaishi, overwhelmingly positive.
But two interesting threads of discussion showed up on Twitter overnight, reacting to announcements to two different concert tours.
This one is about the November Japan Tour with Iceland Symphony Orchestra
https://twitter.com/nichitarou0709/status/972075303257350144
The twitter posted an image for one of the Rach 2 performances and wrote
誰か辻井伸行さんのピアノコンチェルト一緒に聴きに行きませんか
Would someone like to go to listen to Nobuyuki Tsujii's Piano concerto together.
To which someone replied
多分1番安い席5秒くらいで売り切れるから頑張ろうな。
The cheapest seats will probably be gone in 5 seconds. Let's do our best
Another thread has to do with the Japan-Sweden celebration concerts
https://twitter.com/shichidogitsune/status/971764378226761728 with an image of the poster for the three concerts
The twitter seems to think dimly of the concerts
なーんでこういうプロかな…orz
Why is this professional?
Someone then chimed in
プログラム節操ねーなー
I don't understand the programs.
The two then go on to make unfavorable comments, concluding with this:
辻井伸行バブルは続いてるみたいですもんね。運命＆巨人もムーティの来日でもやったプログラムだし、季節外れの第九も季節外れだからこそ意外と埋まるのかなと
"The Nobuyuki Tsujii bubble is continuing . "Fate" & "Giant" [symphonies on September 3 concert program] were also done in a program when [conductor Riccardo] Muti visited Japan, and the ninth [symphony of Beethoven, on program of the last concert] is out of season but the seats may be filled even if unexpectedly
♪ March 9 Tweet of the Day -- "Mr. Nobuyuki Tsujii!"
This tweet made me smile
https://twitter.com/amazakeiko/status/972008959270731777
『羊と鋼の森』のエンディング曲が発表されました、とテレビからその音楽が流れてきたとたん、テレビ画面をみずに「辻井伸行さんだ！」と夫が言った。久石譲さん！ではなく。夫はピアノはおろか楽器は何も弾けないんだけど、ピアノ曲がすきでたくさん聴いている。耳が勝手に覚えたと言っていた
The ending song of "Forest of Sheep and Steel " was announced, and as soon as that music came down from the TV, my husband -- without looking at the television screen said, "Mr. Nobuyuki Tsujii!" And not Mr. Joe Hisaishi! . My husband does not play piano, let alone musical instruments, but he likes piano music and listens to it a lot. He said that his ears remembers arbitrarily.
♪ March 8/9 'SOLD OUT" news
Tickets came on sale on March 6 for the two performances of Nobu with conductor Vladimir Ashkenazy at the Kanazawa Spring Green Festival
This tweet just came up:
https://twitter.com/yamaokah11111/status/971578504947974144
さようなら辻井伸行&アシュケナージ (Saynonara Nobuyuki Tsujii & Ashkanazy.)
Yesterday I checked PIA (online ticket site) and this is what I saw -- It seems their two performance (5/3, 5/4) have sold out while none of the other performances of the festival have.
https://twitter.com/tsukiko_kashiwa/status/971768264568156161
石川県立音楽堂で、5月の音楽祭チケ発売が先日あったが、今日チケットカウンター前には早くも、辻井さん、アシュケ先生公演のチケ完売のお知らせが掲示されていた。こんな早く完売なんてすごいな！At the Ishikawa prefectural music festival, there was a sale of the May festival ticket the other day, but early today I was aat the ticket counter, and saw a sign posted that the performances of Mr. Nobuyuki Tsujii with Mr. Askkenazy have sold out. It's amazing how they are sold out so quickly!
And Yura tweeted
https://twitter.com/icoyuraco/status/971745479363973120
4月再びイギリス・リヴァプール公演 26日は Sold out となってます 辻井伸行×ヴァシリー・ペトレンコ指揮×ロイヤル・リヴァプール・フィル チャイコフスキー 『ピアノ協奏曲第1番』 この公演もFMネット映像 Liveが生配信されるようで
April again in Liverpool, UK. Performance on 26th is Sold out - Nobuyuki Tsujii × Conducted by Vasily Petrenko × Royal Liverpool Phil Tchaikovsky "Piano Concerto No. 1". This performance is also live broadcast of FMClassic[as in a previous concert]
However, there is another performance the next day on April 26, and that one, a matinee, has plenty of seats remaining.
♪ "Nobuyuki Tsujii Debut 10 Years Music Scores" book on sale March 10
A big thanks to Nobu fan Sunsoon for spotting this announcement
https://www.jiji.com/jc/article?k=000002135.000004566&g=prt
辻井伸行デビュー10周年記念アルバムマッチング楽譜集『ピアノソロ/連弾 辻井伸行 debut 10 years 自作集』3月10日発売！
ピアノソロ／連弾
辻井伸行 début 10 years 自作集
定価：2,000円（本体価格）＋税
仕様：菊倍判縦／64ページ
発売日：2018年3月10日発売
Nobuyuki Tsujii debut 10th anniversary commemorative album music score collection "Piano solo / Nobuyyki Tsujii debut 10 years own compositions collection" to be released on March 10!
Piano solo / music scores
List price: 2,000 yen) + tax
64 pages
Release date March 10
ISBN：978-4-636-95351-0
There have been other score books of Nobu's own compositions; they have sold well. I am the proud owner of one.
♪ Local TV appearance on Monday March 5
Posted on Nobu's own site => http://www.nobupiano1988.com/news/
3月5日月曜日、愛知、岐阜、三重で朝9時50分から東海テレビで放映中の情報番組「スイッチ！」に生出演予定です。 ご覧下さい！
March 5 Monday, Aichi, Gifu, Mie,9:50AM on Tokai Television, a live appearance on the information program "Switch!" .
♪ March 4 blog post of music writer Yoshiko Ikuma
The blog post is titled 確定申告 Tax Return -- it seems this is the time of the filing of the dreaded income tax return in Japan, requiring laborious paperwork -- I have heard it from many. But the writer was at Suntory Hall on March 1. The picture that the post comes with is one that we have seen before, taken when Ikuma-san was in Liverpool to cover Nobu's U.K. concerts, and she sounds just like so many other Nobu fans in Japan ^_^
http://yoshikoikuma.sblo.jp/article/182582676.html
3月1日にはサントリーホールに辻井伸行の「デビュー10周年」の日本ツアーを聴きに行き、新たな作品に挑戦したというカプースチンの「8つの演奏会用練習曲」を聴き、そのみずみずしく躍動感あふれるジャジーな音楽に、束の間の心のやすらぎと高揚を得た。
楽屋で「リヴァプール以来ですね」と話しかけると、「ああ、伊熊さん、来ていただいてありがとうございます。ホント、リヴァプール以来ですね」と、明るい笑顔が戻ってきた。
心身が疲弊しているときに、辻井さんの疲れを知らないエネルギッシュな演奏を聴き、元気な笑顔に触れると、こちらも自然に心がかろやかになる。
今日の写真は、リヴァプールのインタビュー時のワンショット。すべてのコンサートとレコーディングを終え、みんながそれぞれ帰路に着く日に少しだけ時間をもらって話を聞いた。
On March 1st we went to Suntory Hall to listen to the Japan tour of Nobuyuki Tsujii 's 10th anniversary of his debut, and heard Kapustin's "eight practice songs for concert", a new work whose challenge he accepted, and its fresh and lively feeling, with jazzy music overflowing, I got a sense of relaxation and uplifting in my heart.
When speaking to him in the dressing room I mentioned this was "Since Liverpool." "Oh, Ikuma-san, thank you for coming, really, since Liverpool," he said and a bright smile came back.
When my body and mind are exhausted, listening to Mr. Tsujii's energetic and tireless performance and seeing his cheerful smile, my heart sparkles naturally.
Today 's picture is one shot at Liverpool' s interview. After completing all the concerts and recordings, we had a little time on the day before everyone returned home, and we talked.
It is true that Liverpool, which was only last month, seems SO long ago. Nobu's life must be like a whirlwind.
Some fans (this one included) are a little concerned that he may be getting TOO BUSY. But Nobu is in good health and in good hands, and at 29, he is at the peak of his youth.
♪ March 3 Press Conference in Nogoya
https://mainichi.jp/articles/20180304/ddl/k23/040/056000c -- article posted on Japan's Mainichi [Every day] news
This says Nobu held a press conference on Mar 3 in Nagoya, at which he spoke about the upcoming May17 concert there with the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic. "It will be the second time in three years that he performs with the Phil in Japan under conductor Vasily Petrenko. 'I think that I can welcome them as someone more mature than last time, and I am happy that I could tour with the great orchestra members.' ... Mr. Fumiaki MiuraMiura, a violinist who is a close friend in private , also participates as a soloist on the tour."
国内外で活躍する全盲のピアニスト、辻井伸行さん（２９）が３日、名古屋市内で記者会見し、５月にソリストとして共演する英国の「ロイヤル・リバプール・フィルハーモニー管弦楽団」（バシリー・ペトレンコ指揮）の来日ツアーへの思いを語った。国内での同フィルとの共演は３年ぶり２回目で「前回よりも成長した姿で迎えることができると思う。素晴らしいメンバーとツアーができてうれしい」と語った。
５月中旬から東京や大阪などを回るツアーで、名古屋公演は５月１７日、日本特殊陶業市民会館で開催される。名古屋公演では、辻井さんが「華やかで繊細で大好きな曲」と評するグリーグ作曲「ピアノ協奏曲」を演奏。また、ツアーにはプライベートでも親しいバイオリニストの三浦文彰さんもソリストとして参加する。
辻井さんは指揮者のペトレンコ氏について「音楽が生き生きしていてエネルギッシュ」とたたえ、「皆さんに素晴らしい音楽を聴いていただけることを楽しみにしています」と話した。【岡村恵子】
Blind pianist Mr. Nobuyuki Tsujii (29) held a press conference in Nagoya city on March 3. He expressed his thoughts on an upcoming Japan tour on which he co-stars as a soloist in May with the British "Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra" (conducted by Vasily Petrenko ). It will mark the second time in three years that he performs with the Phil under the same conductor in Japan "I think that I will welcome them as a more mature figure than last time; I am happy that I could tour with the orchestra's great members."
On the tour around Tokyo and Osaka from the middle of May, the Nagoya performance will be held on May 17th May at the Nippon Tanaki Municipal Civic Center. In the Nagoya Performance, Mr. Tsujii plays Grieg's "Piano Concerto", which he says is "a glamorous, delicate and favorite work". Also Mr. Fumiaki Miura, a violinist who is a close friend in private, participates as a soloist on the tour.
About conductor Mr. Petrenko,Mr. Tsujii said, "His music is lively and energetic." "We are looking forward to everyone coming to hear great music." 【 Writer: Keiko Okamura】
The Aichi, Nagoya performance is one of the three (out of seven) performances on the tour that have yet to be declared "sold out".
♪ Yamaguchi-NHK TV interview, March 2 6:10PM
Posted on the offical Nobu site:
3月2日（金）18:10～ NHK山口放送局「情報維新！やまぐち」にてインタビューが辻井伸行のインタビューが放送されます。
March 2 (Friday) 18: 10 ~ NHK Yamaguchi Broadcasting "Information Innovation! Yamaguchi" an interview of Nobuyuki Tsujii will be aired.
It was also mentioned in this blog post by a TV announcer, with two photos that include Nobu
http://www.nhk.or.jp/yamaguchi-blog/100/291048.html
先日、世界的なピアニスト辻井伸行さんから
お話を伺う機会がありました。
３歳から中学生までピアノをやっていた私にとって憧れの存在で、
直接お話を伺うことができ本当に光栄でした。とても気さくですてきな方でした
ピアニスト辻井伸行さんのインタビューの様子は３月２日（金）の
『情報維新！やまぐち』（午後６時１０分～）で放送予定です。ぜひご覧ください！
Recently, there was an opportunity to hear the story from world pianist Shinji Tsujii.
I played the piano from 3 years old to junior high and I admire him,
I was really honored to be able to talk directly to him. He is a very friendly and nice person.
Interview of pianist Nobuyuki Tsujii will be shown on Friday, March 2
"Information restoration! Yamaguchi" program (6: 10 pm ~). Please have a look!
♪ March 2 Ticket battle for 2018 Miura Fumiaki × Nobuyuki Tsujii Duo Recital continued
A while back there was a blog post by someone, probably with a special connection or membership, who managed to get advance tickets for one of the two duo recitals at Tokyo's Kioi Hall.
Some people paid to get on a lottery for tickets. And then there were 先行先着 first-come-first-serve advance tickets, which probably cost extra.
Finally, today at 10AM tickets came on open sale, with predictable outcome.
https://twitter.com/Kenkichi_1205/status/969740047846031360
三浦文彰と辻井伸行のコンサート、一般発売も買えなかった…。 ぴあ全くつながらない。繋がった頃には完売。
I could not buy general sale tickets for concert of Fumiaki Miura and Nobuyuki Tsujii .... Could not connect to Pia [ticket site] at all. When I finally got through it was sold out.
All that frenzy for a duo recital of piano and violin -- trust me, this does not happen in classical music very often at all.
♪ "The Teddy Bear is almost 2 metres tall" => Professor Kawakai's March 2 2018 blog post
In a recent blog post, Nobu's long-time piano teacher Professor Masahiro Kawakami wrote with uncharacteristic excitement:Professor Kawakami: Nobuyuki Tsujii's 2018 Japan Tour starts tomorrow
and mentions that he would be attending the second recital in Tokyo, on March 1.
His blog was updated yesterday March 2 => http://www.masahiro-kawakami.com/blog/index.php?e=896
His reaction to the performance is typically understated [as befitting a Japanese :-)] I guess it wouldn't do for Mr. Kawakami to lavish effusive praise especially for Nobu's performance of the Kapustin etudes written by a composer whose works he [Mr. Kawakami] himself champions. But the joy that he experienced is unmistakable.
I made a rough English translation of the post => Professor Kawakai's March 2 2018 blog post
♪ March 1 Chopin's birthday
Several people tweeted that today is Chopin's birthday and so the Heroic Polonaise in the first half and the "farewell" etude in encores take on special meaning.
This tweet came up after the performance:
https://twitter.com/Brahms_snow/status/969141456068780034
お誕生日おめでとうございます 今日は辻井伸行さんの英雄ポロネーズを聴いてきました
Happy birthday. Today I heard Mr. Nobuyuki Tsujii's Hero Polonaise
The accompanying photo shows Chopin's grave [in Paris? Warsaw?] decorated with many bouquets
♪ March 1 They do "get" Kapustin
Prior to the two Tokyo recitals (Feb 28 and Mar 1), I wondered aloud: But will they "get" Kapustin?
It is now the day after, and the jury is still out. But already there have been some notable comments, which I feel compelled to collect on a page with my English translation.
Samples:
"辻井伸行 ピアノ リサイタル" 今日も最高の時間をありがとうございました☺ 特に期待していたメインのKapustin、予想を上回る完成度でした
"Nobuyuki Tsujii piano recital" today Thank you for the best of the time ☺ the main work Kapustin in particular was as I had hoped, with the degree of perfection that I expected .
.. が！最後のカプースチン！ びっくりだったわー私はほとんど前知識がなく、予習もして行かなかったので今日、初めて聴いたんだけど、
色んなジャズのリズムが全8曲。楽しかった！圧倒された！
... But! The Kapustin in the end!I was surprised. I had hardly any previous knowledge and I did not prepare for it, so I heard it for the first time today, eight songs of various jazz rhythms. It was fun! I was overwhelmed!
辻井さんもデビュー10周年記念のツアーを行うにあたり、新しく挑戦しようと選んだそうです。あまり想定していなかったジャズ寄りの曲でしたが、軽妙でウィットに富んだ演奏に、音の正確さ、旋律の滑らかさが相まって、まさにジャズとクラシックの調和を感じました。
Mr. Tsujii also seems to have chosen a new challenge when doing the 10th anniversary tour. It was a jazzy song that I had not thought much, but combined with a light and witty performance, combined with the precision of the sound and the smoothness of melody, I just felt harmony between jazz and classic.
More at => They do "get" Kapustin