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| The “Japan Phil. Summer Family Concert” was started in 1975 as the pioneer of family concerts from the hope of “delivering the power of music to children who have delicate instincts”. To date, it has been loved by more than 1 100 000 children and families as the “introductory course” to classical music, increasing the opportunities for children to experience the fun of orchestras. |
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 In response to such hopes of wanting to experience the wonders of live music at close hand, wanting to share the joys of music with as many people as possible, and wanting to hold full-scale concerts in one’s own community, the Japan Phil holds chamber music concerts by a small assemble about 200 times a year, apart from its orchestra activities. We not only play in chamber music concerts organized by various organizations and communities, but also visit hospitals and facilities which have very few opportunities to come in contact with live music in routine life, as well as actively respond to requests from the local community and workplaces to “hold concerts”. In the school concerts which we hold more than 50 times a year, we plan programs where children can also participate to experience the fun of live music together. |
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| JPO actively develops and promotes various workshops and educational programs to experience and appreciate music. Since 2000, JPO and the Association of Japanese Symphony Orchestras has been holding workshops for children together with Michael Spencer (former British Royal Opera House Education Manager) from advanced educational program country England. The Japan Phil players actively learn from Mr. Spencer, conduct research and development of unique programs, and work actively in various places as the workshop facilitator. |
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| Orchestra explorers pursue the mysteries of orchestra concerts such as “General Probe” (general practice before actual concertjby tours, exploration of halls, exploration of instruments, etc. This program is very popular because it allows the explorers to experience scenes of conductors and orchestra which one cannot usually see or know about, thus become more familiar with orchestra. The orchestra members and leader of the explorers will answer to any questions which the explorers may have. This enables better enjoyment of the actual concert stage. |
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 As part of the exchange program with various communities, JPO carries out open rehearsals about ten times a year. All of these rehearsals are well received for they enable the audience to experience at close hand the creation of music between the conductor and orchestra which is usually not possible. Their comments include “experienced the orchestra at closer hand” and “made me want to listen to the actual concert quickly”. |
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 JPO welcomes tours of the orchestra site by junior high school students. They can learn about orchestras from afore and behind the scenes such as the basics of “what is an orchestra”, characteristics, details of activities, work of departments in charge at the secretariat.
JPO has also started the “internship system” jointly with music universities, and receives several students every year. We provide the students training in the orchestra or secretariat for a certain period of time to allow them to experience orchestras at the actual work site. Requests for training by teachers and companies are also responded to. |
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 JPO holds concerts by school, in addition to orchestra appreciation concerts for elementary and junior high schools sponsored by municipals. The optimum plan for students is proposed based on the school curriculum, etc. such as the usual appreciation concerts, lectures by conductors which introduce instruments, etc. We also receive various requests such as joint appearance on stage of wind music and chorus students. |
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 In September 2002, JPO started the “Music lessons from age 60” program for those living or working in Suginami ward with which it has friendly relations, as part of its interchange program. This endeavor aims to not only further interchange between Japan Phil and Suginami ward residents, but also enables those over 60 who have more time on their hands to undertake new challenges and live life more actively. The program is sponsored by the Japan Phil, and co-sponsored by Suginami Ward Cultural Interchange Association. Members of JPO provide guidance throughout the year to students in four classes-violin, cello, flute, and clarinet. |
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 JPO actively organizes discussions between musicians who have retired from stage and children. This serves as a valuable opportunity because the children can share with the musicians the joy of experiencing live music and imprint the experience of that day more deeply in their mind. |
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| Nothing is perhaps more enjoyable than letting your heart waltz to exquisite music and breathtaking story in a venue near yours. JPO has rearranged three chamber music pieces; “Nutcracker” (Tchaikovsky), “GORSCH the cellist” (Written by MIYAZAWA Kenji, music: Beethoven, etc.) ,“The soldier’s tale” (Stravinsky) for your enjoyment. You will be enchanted not only by the music, but by all corners of the stage, which will also stir the imagination of the children not only from the ears but from the eyes as well. These pieces can be arranged in various ways according to the stage and venue. |
Nutcracker |
The soldier's tale |
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![Music Forest [Education Program]](/eng/forest/image/cate_forest.gif)
Japan Philharmonic Orchestra runs the “Music Forest [Education Program]” in the hope to deliver the richness of music not only to concert audience but to the community extensively. The “Music Forest [Education Program]” is based on five sub-programs which plan not only orchestra stages but various other activities at various places around the country.
