Fukushima Musicians Triumph in London

I keep trying to put myself in the place of the 50 or so teenagers from Fukushima that took to the stage of Queen Elizabeth Hall last April 1st. Performing for an audience is always a great challenge for any musician, beginner and professional alike. But for these students, some of which are as young as 13 years old, this stage is a symbol of unity, hope and rebirth. They have worked hard together for months, practiced daily, they have memorised a repertoire to professional standard, determined to make a difference. A few days before the concert they came to me to talk about the music. They wanted to know why every day we were playing a little bit differently. Coming from an educational system where individuality and spontaneity are seen as weaknesses, they were starting to grasp the importance of freedom, and expression in the moment. For them, music has become a tool, emotional as well as practical, helping them feel stronger within themselves for who they are now and who they want to be in the future

A bit of background: the Fukushima Youth Sinfonietta is one of the most positive things to emerge from the devastation of the 2011 earthquake and tsunami in northern Japan. I have repeatedly seen how the determination of the young people to create something truly excellent in the face of all kinds of adversity coupled with their high and continually improving standard, has the power to inspire other young people and adults. Playing music and developing individual musical skills helped greatly with each child’s healing process as he or she emerged from the traumas of 2011. Working together to create the orchestra and then to rehearse and perform with it brought scores of students closer together, helping them express themselves freely and overcome their inner fears, contributing hugely to their musical and personal maturity. In addition, the experience helped positively in the recovery of parents, teachers, and friends of the young musicians. In numerous ways the work of the FYS has strengthened families, schools, and communities in the Fukushima area. 

The 50 member orchestra took to the stage of one the most significant concert halls in Europe, the Queen Elizabeth Hall, on 1 April 2019. This was the most successful concert the FYS performed to date. The almost full 1000 seat auditorium was holding its breath for two hours, as the Fukushima players presented their programme.  Standing in front of them on the podium, at times I also had to gasp for air, as I was witnessing the beauty of a music from these young people, happening spontaneously, sincerely and purely. The emotions from the music brought the London audience to its feet for a rapturous standing ovation, with loud cheers and exclamations of “Bravo”. The feeling of success the Fukushima musicians experienced on the London stage that night, will follow them for the rest of their lives, and the deep feeling of self worth that will never fade. Equally for me, the pride for being part of that momentous occasion, will be with me always.