Sixty of Japan’s finest young wind and brass players will spend five days in Galway this week to perform at a number of schools and at Galway Cathedral.
The highly talented Higashikawa Band will visit Ballinasloe Secondary School, Claddagh National School and Coláiste Bhaile Chláir on Thursday 15 September.
The musicians will also rehearse and perform with students from Athenry Music School, the Galway Chamber Choir and St Patrick’s Brass Band Galway and Ballinasloe Brass Band.
The Galway visit, an initiative of the EU-Japan Fest Japan Committee, will end with a performance at Galway Cathedral on Sunday 18 September at 7.30pm.
The free entry event will feature the Higashikawa Band alongside students from Athenry Music School, the Galway Chamber Choir and St Patricks Brass Band.
The visit and concerts are being curated and artistically directed by Professor James Cavanagh in collaboration with Claddagh School of Music, Athenry Music School and St Patrick’s Brass Band.
Following their concert in Galway The Higashikawa Band will then travel to Dublin where they will perform at Our Lady’s Hospice Harold’s Cross and also with the renowned Dublin Concert Band at All Hallows Church Drumcondra on Tuesday 20 September at 8pm. There will be free admission to all events.
Speaking about the visit Brendan McGrath, Galway City Council Chief Executive, said that they are delighted to welcome the young people of Higashikawa to Galway.
“We are very much looking forward to further exchanges with our colleagues in EU Japan Fest, it’s one of the many legacies of the European Capital of Culture designation.”
Also speaking about the visit Professor James Cavanagh said: “It is a great honour to be invited to curate this visit by the Higashikawa Band to Ireland.
“Through music, these young musicians will share their musical and cultural identity with young Irish musicians, all of which will create wonderful experiences and long-lasting life-long friendships. Music is indeed a global asset to be cherished.”
As part of the visit, members of the EU Japan Fest Japan Committee, including its Chairman Mr Kunibe, will also visit and meet with various social, cultural and business organisations.
