“Let’s make music together!” The New Japan Philharmonic was founded in 1972 as a self-governing orchestra by its members under the baton of conductor Seiji Ozawa. In 1997, it relocated to Sumida Ward. In the same year, it established Sumida Triphony Hall, which opened concurrently, as its main base of operations, introducing Japan’s first full-fledged franchise model for daily rehearsals and performances. A distinctive feature is its vigorous community-based performance activities, including regular and special concerts, as well as performances at local schools and various facilities. In 1999, Seiji Ozawa was appointed Conductor Laureate.

Christian Arming served as Music Director from 2003 to 2013. During his tenure, the orchestra received the 3rd Mitsubishi Trust Music Award Encouragement Prize in 2006 for Jeanne d'Arc au bûcher, and the 18th Mitsubishi UFJ Trust Music Award in 2009 for Das Buch mit sieben Siegeln (both conducted by Arming). In the same year, 2009, it received the 22nd Music Pen Club Award for the Haydn Project (conducted by Brüggen). The Beethoven Project in 2011 also received critical acclaim.

Daniel Harding served as Music Partner of NJP for six years from the 2010/2011 season. Ingo Metzmacher was appointed Conductor in Residence from the 2013/2014 season (until August 2015). In September 2016 (2016/2017 season), Toshiyuki Kamioka, a conductor who honed his skills in German opera houses, was appointed Music Director.

Recordings with Toshiyuki Kamioka

• Mahler: Symphony No. 1 “Titan”
• R. Strauss: Tone Poem “Also sprach Zarathustra” / Tone Poem “Ein Heldenleben”
• Tchaikovsky: Symphony No. 6 “Pathétique” / Rachmaninoff: Tone Poem “Isle of the Dead”
• Bruckner: Symphony No. 9
• Bruckner: Symphony No. 6
• Wagner: Tannhäuser, Tristan und Isolde, Götterdämmerung, Parsifal

Furthermore, in the summer of 2004, the orchestra launched a new project, “New Japan Philharmonic World Dream Orchestra,” with composer Joe Hisaishi. Additionally, it initiated the “Chamber Music Series,” a voluntary initiative by its members. Both projects have garnered high acclaim and popularity. As collaborations with Joe Hisaishi, the orchestra was responsible for the orchestral scores of the films Spirited Away (released 2002), Howl’s Moving Castle (released 2004), and Ponyo on the Cliff by the Sea (released 2008). Its recent innovative projects and excellent performances have been highly praised.

Official Links

• Official Website: www.njp.or.jp
• Official Twitter: @newjapanphil
• Official Facebook: /newjapanphil
• Official Instagram: /newjapanphil