English edition

"Obtain a season pass for the NHK Symphony Orchestra."

I drove my family to the nearest station in Ai-chan (our electric car).

Inside the car, Gershwin's "Rhapsody in Blue" was playing. It must be a selection from "Classic Cafe". Regardless, it's a great piece no

matter when I listen to it.

It reminded me of Woody Allen's "Manhattan". The sophisticated New Yorkers and the cityscapes of New York come to life.

Then, "An American in Paris" started playing. The announcer mentioned that it was from the 1920s, and also mentioned Irwin Shaw, who is one of my favorite authors.

From the summer morning, I was able to enjoy a pleasant time with FM Classic. I wouldn't consider myself a huge fan of classical music, but I think people can enjoy themselves with music at any time. Even during sad and difficult times, listening to music can help you overcome

your circumstances. Even in a void of silence, I feel like there's some sort of resonance in my heart.

Still, it's the NHK Symphony Orchestra. Their location is far from our home, which is the biggest problem... (There's no issue with the

orchestra itself...)

I've been to numerous concert halls, but I prefer the acoustics of the "Bunka Kaikan Main Hall" in Ueno. Of course, the fact that it's close to our home significantly influences this preference...

I wonder about the "Sumida Triphony Hall"? It's a local hall, but I think its acoustics shouldn't be underestimated. "Tokyo Art Theatre,"

"Opera City Hall," "Suntory Hall" - probably, for those who listen, these are wonderful music halls.

Influenced by my family's love for classical music, I often accompany them to concerts. If the day comes when I can genuinely say that

a particular classical hall is wonderful, I think it would be a happy occasion.

-English edition