New Japan Philharmonic to Make Manila Debut in Celebration of 70 Years of Philippines-Japan Friendship
The New Japan Philharmonic, based in Sumida, Tokyo, is set to perform in Manila for the first time in a special classical concert commemorating the 70th anniversary of Philippines-Japan friendship.
Titled “A 70 Year Opus: Celebrating Philippines-Japan Friendship in Concert,” the one-night-only event will take place on Wednesday, June 24, 2026, at 7:30 p.m. at The Theatre at Solaire in Parañaque City. The concert marks a significant cultural milestone, celebrating the longstanding friendship, cooperation, and cultural exchange between the Philippines and Japan.
The performance will be conducted by Mr. Tetsuji Honna, Music Director and Principal Conductor of the Vietnam National Symphony Orchestra.
Mr. Tetsuji Honna / IMAGE from Hai Nam Nguyen
The concert will also feature acclaimed violinist Ms. Mayuko Kamio, winner of the 2007 International Tchaikovsky Competition, as soloist.
Mr. Mayuko Kamio / IMAGE from Makoto Kamiya
The program will include the national anthems of the Philippines and Japan, Tchaikovsky’s Violin Concerto, and Beethoven’s Symphony No. 7.
More than a classical concert, “A 70 Year Opus” serves as a tribute to the enduring ties between the two nations. Through music, the event aims to highlight the power of the arts to connect people across borders, cultures, and generations.
Classical music enthusiasts, as well as those who wish to celebrate Philippines-Japan friendship, are invited to witness this landmark performance.
Tickets for A 70 Year Opus: Celebrating Philippines-Japan Friendship in Concert are now available through TicketWorld for only Php 515 for Lower Balcony, Mid Balcony, and Upper Balcony seats. Just scan the QR code below and don’t forget to use the promo code OPUS2026NJP. Promo code is valid until June 24, 2026, Wednesday, at 7:30 p.m.
The concert is co-presented by the Embassy of Japan in the Philippines and the Cultural Center of the Philippines, with the support of partners including Toyota Motor Philippines, GT Capital Holdings Incorporated, Mr. AJ Violago, Starts Corporation Inc., and The Tokyo Club.
About the New Japan Philharmonic
The New Japan Philharmonic was founded in 1972 as a self-governing orchestra under the call of Seiji Ozawa and Naozumi Yamamoto to “make music together.” In 1997, the orchestra moved to Sumida, Tokyo, where it established its home at Sumida Triphony Hall. It became the first full-scale franchise orchestra in Japan, holding daily rehearsals and performances in its home venue.
IMAGE from K. Miura
Aside from its regular and special concerts, the orchestra actively conducts community-based activities in Sumida, including school music classes, appreciation concerts, and performances at welfare facilities.
In 1999, Seiji Ozawa became the orchestra’s Honorary Conductor Laureate. Over the years, the orchestra has worked with distinguished conductors and music directors, including Mr. Kazuyoshi Akiyama, Mr. Michiyoshi Inoue, Mr. Christian Arming, Mr. Toshiyuki Kamioka, Mr. Daniel Harding, Mr. Ingo Metzmacher, and Mr. Joe Hisaishi.
IMAGE from New Japan Philharmonic Foundation
The New Japan Philharmonic has also collaborated with Mr. Joe Hisaishi on orchestral music for renowned Studio Ghibli films, including Spirited Away, Howl’s Moving Castle, and Ponyo.
Its achievements include the 3rd Mitsubishi Trust Music Award Encouragement Prize in 2006 for Jeanne d’Arc au bûcher conducted by Mr. Christian Arming, the 18th Mitsubishi UFJ Trust Music Award in 2009 for the Beethoven Project, and the 22nd Music Pen Club Music Award in the same year for the Haydn Project conducted by Mr. Frans Brüggen.
IMAGE from New Japan Philharmonic Foundation
Since April 2023, Mr. Yutaka Sado has served as the orchestra’s fifth Music Director. Today, the New Japan Philharmonic continues to pursue musical activities that bring together the city, the concert hall, and the orchestra as one.
Official Website and Social Media
Website: https://www.njp.or.jp/
X: @newjapanphil
Facebook: newjapanphil
Instagram: @newjapanphil
Images courtesy of the New Japan Philharmonic Foundation
