The Aflac Classic Charity Concert "Ikiru" (Ikiru), co-hosted by Aflac and The Mainichi Newspapers, was held recently at Bunkamura Orchard Hall (Shibuya, Tokyo). Superb music and warm staging moved me deeply.
Under conductor Shigeo Genda, the Tokyo Philharmonic played beautifully; the cast shone. Opera singer Maki Mori's rich voice—the theme of NHK's Clouds Above the Hill was dreamlike. Young violinist Kazuhito Yamane, just 18, played Chaconne—spine-tingling as his left hand climbed the neck past the body for delicate high notes. Pianist Kazune Shimizu's Ravel Piano Concerto in G was challenging yet fun with its percussion.
About fifty children with cancer and their families were invited. Third-grader Sakawa Inamoto (8), Tokyo, who overcame upper-jaw cancer, performed piano with the orchestra to great applause—adorably nervous.
"Ikiru" began in 1996 as The Mainichi Newspapers' childhood-cancer campaign; Aflac co-hosts events since around 2012. Aflac runs Parents Houses (1,000 yen/night for families visiting hospitals). Proceeds go to Parents Houses and the Mainichi Tokyo Social Welfare Foundation's childhood-cancer fund.
"Ikiru—2013 Xmas Concert for Young Lives"＝photo left is December 22 at Yokohama Minatomirai Hall—jazz pianist Yosuke Yamashita with the Kanagawa Philharmonic under conductor Tetsuji Honna (3 p.m., all reserved 5,000 yen, no preschoolers).