Tokyo Philharmonic takes on the world

THE Tokyo Philharmonic Orchestra is ready to shake up the classical world after the 2011 East Japan earthquake and tsunami thwarted their original plan of celebrating its 100th anniversary that year. It will hit the road next month, taking in six major cities including Singapore, in what will be one of its biggest world tours ever.

Originally established in Nagoya in 1911 before moving to Tokyo in 1938, the orchestra played a pivotal role in bringing opera to the masses.

After the war, it adopted its current name and became a fully independent and self-funded organisation focusing on subscription concerts, opera and ballet while also pursuing a regular broadcasting programme with national broadcasters NHK. It is currently the oldest and largest orchestra in Japan with 130 members.