NPO Circle Wind
M Shirota
Sep 10, 2011
Artists from Japan Quake Areas Joining to 4th Annual Concert
Title: Circle Wind Memorial Concert 2011
Date: Saturday, September 10th, 2011
Time: 7:00 PM (Doors open at 6:30 PM)
Venue: New York Society for Ethical Culture Concert Hall, 2 West 64th Street at Central Park West
Ticket Price: $10
First Half: A Tribute to Hope and Resilience
1. Opening Remarks
Welcome and Introduction by Ms. Nozomi Terao, Founder of Happy Doll
2. Japanese Artists from Quake Areas
J-Pop Star Kiyotaka (Sendai, now in New York)
Pop Singer-Songwriter hinaco (Aizu-Wakamatsu, Fukushima)
Reggae Artist MikiBaby (Minami-Sanrikucho, Miyagi)
Jazz Pianist Kayo Hiraki (Chiba)
3. Japan Choral Harmony (JCH)
Performance of "Believing Tomorrow" – An inspirational song symbolizing hope for tsunami
victims and their families.
Intermission
Second Half: Symphonic Expressions of Love for Homeland
1. Gregory Singer's Manhattan Symphonie
Maestro Gregory Singer leads the orchestra in:
Smetana's "Moldau"
Sibelius's "Finlandia"
2. Grand Finale
"Finlandia" performed with members from Japan Choral Harmony and Men's Chorus Club of New York.
3. Closing Remarks
Reflection and Closing Words by Mike Shirota, Circle Wind Founder
Event MC: Ms. Nozomi Terao
Purpose:
The Circle Wind Memorial Concert, originally conceived to commemorate 9/11 victims, now extends its role to include a tribute to those affected by the 3.11 earthquake and tsunami. The concert aims to provide a healing experience through beautiful music, featuring renowned artists, including those from the quake-affected areas.
Note:
All proceeds from ticket sales will contribute to Japanese tsunami relief efforts.
Featured Artists at Circle Wind Memorial Concert 2011
1. NY Men's Chorus Club:
A regular presence at Circle Wind Concerts, showcasing moving male voice harmonies.
Based in New York, they cover a broad repertoire from classical to popular music.
2. Japan Choral Harmony (JCH):
Formed this year, a mixed chorus unit weaving together individuals from disaster-affected areas and contributing to Japanese choral culture.
Collaborated with the Sendai choral group "Hagi" at the "Michinoku Earthquake Relief, Japan-U.S. Choral Charity Concert in 2011," delivering songs of hope and unity.
3. Choral Piece "The Day Called Tomorrow":
JCH presented an emotionally charged mixed choral piece.
Powerfully sung by the chorus club of Hachiken Junior High School in Wakabayashi-ku, Sendai, uplifting survivors during the earthquake and tsunami.
Televised on NHK, conveying emotions and thoughts of recovery nationwide.
4. MikiBaby:
Jamaican reggae artist hailing from Minamisanriku-cho, Miyagi Prefecture.
Recognized for rich musicality, symbolizing unity through music.
Participated in the 10th-anniversary concert of the terrorist attacks, evoking emotion and remembrance.
5. hinaco:
Singer-songwriter born in Aizuwakamatsu City, Fukushima Prefecture.
Gained prominence with "Nakigao Smile," the theme song for the drama series "Mother."
A shining figure in the Japanese music scene, showcasing her talent at concerts.
6. Kiyotaka(KI-YO):
J-Pop singer from Sendai.
Bringing emotion and strength to the concert as a native of the disaster-stricken area.
Active in Japan and internationally, delivering empathy and hope through music.
7. Kayo Hiraki:
Jazz pianist from Chiba, Japan.
Highly acclaimed globally, with successful performances at venues like the Blue Note.
Bringing the charm and talent of jazz to audiences during concerts.
8. Ms. Nozomi Terao:
President of NPO "Happy Dolls, Inc."
A longstanding female entrepreneur in New York City.
Hosting the concert, emphasizing the importance of social contribution alongside music.
9. Mr. Junkyu Muto
Sculptor residing in Rome.
Known for his work on the Cenotaph of the Ring of the Wind.
Installation at the Japan Society in New York in September, marking the 10th anniversary of the terrorist attacks.
Preceding the concert, a ceremony and reception for the cenotaph he created will take place.
