Pacific Bridge Concert Tour

A Series of Performances by The Boys & Girls Choir of Harlem Alumni Ensemble in Tsunami-Stricken Iwate Prefecture

Objective: To commemorate the 150th anniversary of Inazo Nitobe, a Japanese scientist and author, by bringing comfort and inspiration through performances to residents of Iwate Prefecture still in homeless shelters due to the 3.11.2011 earthquake and tsunami. Donations will cover the Alumni Ensemble's travel and accommodations.

Background: Inazo Nitobe, born in Iwate, authored "Bushido: The Soul of Japan." Circle Wind pianist Rikako Asanuma, also from Iwate, organized benefit concerts post the 3.11 tragedy. Inspired by Mayor Futoshi Toba's call for "mental support," Asanuma invited the Alumni Ensemble to perform at shelters in Iwate.

Schedule: The Alumni Ensemble will leave New York on Nov. 21, perform in Rikuzen-Takada, Ofunato, Kamaishi, Miyako, and Omoto from Nov. 22-25, and return to New York on Nov. 26.

The Fifth concert took place at a new venue, the Kauffman Center Merkin Hall, just north of Lincoln Center. The event showcased the Boys & Girls Choir of Harlem, an organization composed of alumni from the Boys Choir of Harlem and Girls Choir of Harlem, which had a significant impact on the world throughout the 1960s and beyond. Making a special appearance was The Boys & Girls Choir of Harlem Alumni Ensemble, formed by alumni from the Boys Choir of Harlem and Girls Choir of Harlem, continuing the legacy that dominated the scene for half a century in the 1960s. Japan Choral Harmony served as the host, with Ms. Nozomi Terao reprising her role as the emcee from the previous year.

Performers: Japan Choral Harmony "TOMO", Hiroshi Yamane and Sumiko Tajihi, Trio de Zunda, Men's Glee Club of New York Takaoki Otani and Rikako Asanuma, The Boys & Girls Choir of Harlem Alumni Ensemble

Moderator: Nozomi Terao, Representative of NPO Happy Doll

Dr. Inazo Nitobe, renowned for his contributions to peace between Japan and the U.S. and as the author of "Bushido," was born in Iwate Prefecture. In honor of the 150th anniversary of his birth, the "Pacific Bridge Concert" was organized, featuring The Boys & Girls Choir of Harlem Alumni Ensemble dispatched to the disaster-stricken areas along the coast of Iwate Prefecture. The ensemble performed uplifting concerts at temporary housing communities and temples to inspire the survivors. This DVD includes the finale concert held on the last day of the tour at Sunshine City in Ikebukuro, Tokyo.

Additional Information:

During the concert, the Alumni Ensemble's moving music brought hope and comfort to the people in the disaster-stricken areas. The performance, deeply rooted in the essence of Iwate Prefecture, celebrated the spirit of Dr. Inazo Nitobe. The concert will be remembered as a touching episode, conveying profound compassion to the survivors through the power of music.