14th UBE Group Charity Concert

On October 10, 2021, the 14th UBE Group Charity Concert was held at the Ube City Watanabe Okina Memorial Hall, with strict COVID-19 measures in place again, as in the previous year. Since 2008, the UBE Group has been inviting the Japan Philharmonic Orchestra to Ube City, Yamaguchi Prefecture and hosting the concert in order to contribute to the development of local culture through music.

The 2021 concert featured a performance of Dvorak’s Cello Concerto and Symphony No. 9, the New World Symphony, by the Japan Philharmonic Orchestra. It was given under the direction of Kanade Yokoyama, who has been attracting attention as a popular young conductor, and showcased cellist Dai Miyata, a top Japanese soloist.

At the outset of the concert, Yokoyama said, “With some signs of the end of the pandemic now on the horizon, we would like to deliver a wonderful performance.” Sign language interpretation was also provided for the musical commentary.

Miyata’s playing seemed to be inspired by the orchestra’s performance, and the sound of his cello conveyed Dvorak’s spirit in the auditorium.

The New World Symphony, conducted by Kanade Yokoyama, charmed the audience with a performance that conveyed both respect for the composer and youthful brilliance.

Cello soloist Miyata gave a rare encore after the cello concerto, playing “Song of the Stars” composed by Kenji Miyazawa. At the end of the concert, there was an encore performance of the Slavonic Dance No. 10, and the audience was enchanted by the heartwarming melody.

This year’s charity concert was held with stringent measures in place to prevent COVID-19 transmission.