Myung-Whun Chung
Special Artistic Advisor, The Tokyo Philharmonic Orchestra

Classical music has strived and advanced along with the history of humankind. It is my hope that the next steps in its development will be brought about by Aisian musicians such as those from Japan, Korea, and China. Each time I perform in Japan, I feel that Japan is blessed with excellent musicians and wonderful audiences. Therefore, I believe that my work with the Tokyo Philharmonic Orchestra will be a tremendous joy as well as a challenge.

I believe that the following elements will be necessary in order for the Tokyo Philharmonic Orchestra to be a strong presence in the world: Each orchestra member must continue to nourish the will to develop and grow in order to achieve a freer level of musical expression, and to have the courage to discover a "new self". The orchestra cannot just perform music, but also has to somehow contribute back to society whatever it can through music. What that is will be a continuous search, and together with the orchestra members, I hope to realize this in some form. Needless to say, solid management and wide support by the administration will be the key in providing the solid basis necessary in our efforts to realize our goals.

I will continue to strive with the Tokyo Philharmonic Orchestra to make these wishes come true. I hope to share the wonders of music with all of you in the future.

Norio Ohga
Chairman, The Tokyo Philharmonic Orchestra

The origins of the Tokyo Philharmonic Orchestra can be traced back to a youth orchestra formed in Nagoya in 1911. In 1938, the orchestra moved its base to Tokyo and it was renamed the Central Symphony Orchestra. The following year, the orchestra engaged Manfred Gurlitt from Germany as Chief Conductor and started its professional activities in earnest. Having survived the second world war, the orchestra changed its name in 1948 to the Tokyo Philharmonic Orchestra and held its first subscription concert at the Hibiya Kokaid Hall. It is no exaggeration to say that its history of over ninety years is synonymous with the history of Western classical music in Japan. To this day, the orchestra has been enjoying an excellent reputation for its work, especially in opera performances, and gives concerts all over the world.

The Tokyo Philharmonic Orchestra owes its existence and development not only to successive generations of dedicated musicians who love music and song, but also, of course, to the many music-loving fans, who have continued to give us their warm support over the years.

Now, as we move into the new century, orchestral management is expected to face difficult situations amidst rapid social changes. Nevertheless, the Tokyo Philharmonic Orchestra will continue to strive to become a leading world-class orchestra, in both the opera and concert performances through the realization of a merger with the Japan Shinsei Symphony Orchestra and by welcoming the world renowned maestro Myung-Whun Chung as Special Artistic Advisor.

We look forward to your continued patronage and support of our orchestra's activities.