Credits:

Koizumi Kazuhiro

Description:

The Century Orchestra Japan (formerly the Century Orchestra Osaka), with Uriel Segal as its first Permanent Conductor (currently Honorary Conductor), started its activities in 1989 under the management of the Osaka Prefecture Cultural Promotion Foundation, aiming to become an orchestra that is familiar and proud of Osaka residents. As a municipally-run orchestra, it is noteworthy that the orchestra has been a pioneer in conducting educational programs such as "Touch the Orchestra," in which elementary school students are invited to the rehearsal hall not only to listen to the performance but also to directly touch the instruments. In 2008, the orchestra appointed Kazuhiro Koizumi as Music Director and Tatsunori Numajiri as Principal Guest Conductor, and both conductors gave commemorative performances in 2009, the orchestra's 20th anniversary year. In April 2011, the Century Orchestra of Japan changed its name to the Century Orchestra of Japan with the transition to a public interest incorporated foundation, in response to the widely publicized termination of subsidies from the Osaka Prefectural Government, with the aim of opening up its activities even further. This CD is a recording of the 160th subscription concert celebrating the bicentennial of Liszt's birth, which was a memorable "first concert" of the new Century Symphony Orchestra, and the session held at Biwako Hall prior to the concert.From conception to completion, Liszt's Faust Symphony took several decades to complete. Its complex structure, pioneering sound, and gorgeous orchestration reveal Liszt's extraordinary talent that goes beyond piano music. Current Music Director Kazuhiro Koizumi is highly acclaimed for his performances of large-scale works. He clearly unravels the psychological portrayal of the characters in each movement, leading to a performance that is full of a sense of construction that is at once bold and precise. In the concluding section, the "Mystic Chorus" is adorned with the complete singing of Takashi Fukui and the Kansai's leading chorus groups, forming a divine space. Koizumi/Century Symphony Orchestra, bravely facing the headwinds, is off to a smooth sailing start. FONTEC