Ars Musica 2016 Opening

On November 12, the opening of the contemporary music festival “Ars Musica” was held at BOZAR, in attendance of Ambassador Ishii, Mrs. Ishii and others. On the occasion of the 150 Years of Friendship between Japan and Belgium, this year’s Ars Musica edition features Japan as the country of honor. Following speeches of CEO and Artistic Director of BOZAR Mr. Paul Dujardin and Ars Musica representative Mr. Bruno Letort, Ambassador Ishii held a welcoming speech. At the opening concert, pieces by Japanese composers, Toru Takemitsu, Dai Fujikura and Maki Ishii, were played. There were solo performances of biwa and shakuhachi as well as a collaboration by a group of taiko drummers and the Brussels Philharmonic Orchestra. This refreshing combination brought the evening to a climax, resulting in a long-lasting standing ovation from the audience.

Ars Musica 2016 is held until November 27 in Brussels and other cities.