The Sapporo University Wind Orchestra visits Vienna

BY YUZURU HONDO

The Sapporo University Wind Orchestra entered the 43rd Hokkaido Wind Orchestra Competition, which was held at the Sapporo Concert Hall "Kitara" on September 15th, 1998. They performed "A Wartime Sketchbook", written by English composer W. Walton. They won the first prize and were elected as the representative for the national competition. This was the first time to take 1st place since the SU Wind Orchestra was established. The 46th All Japan Wind Orchestra Competition took place at Shiga Art Hall on October 17th, 1998. The SU Wind Orchestra accomplished the splendid achievement of being awarded a silver prize (2nd place), even though this was their first participation at the national level.

In recent years in Japan, the number of wind orchestra players has been decreasing. A decade ago, wind orchestras were active at most schools. But it has been losing popularity today. The probable cause is that young people pay attention to rock or popular music. On the other hand, they regard wind orchestra as a kind of "classical music" and don't feel attracted to it. The occasions for wind orchestra to perform are fewer than before.

In spite of this situation, the SU Wind Orchestra has worked positively. The members never fail to practice every evening, participating in joint concerts, and aid some events at SU or at regional festivals. They have no time to rest. In December of last year, they gave a regular concert at Sapporo Civic Center. Many people came to the hall and the audience was fascinated by the performance.

The vigorous activities of the SU Wind Orchestra is not limited to only Japan. At the end of this March the SU Wind Orchestra will visit Vienna, Austria and perform on a first-class stage, which is used by the Vienna Philharmony Orchestra. Of course, every orchestra cannot play there. The SU Wind Orchestra was selected from many different orchestras and was requested by UNICEF. It is not too much to say that their steady efforts led them to such a great achievement.

I wish that the SU Wind Orchestra will continue to entertain many people by there sound from now on without forgetting the pleasure of playing music and being proud of their work. And I would like you to go to a concert of any wind orchestra at least once.