Russian maestro stages “Prayer for Peace” in Hiroshima after 22-year absence
Jun. 3, 2015
by Taiki Yomura, Staff Writer
Vladimir Fedoseyev, 82, the world-renowned conductor from Russia, staged a concert in Hiroshima on May 27 for the first time in 22 years. During his previous visit to Hiroshima for a performance, he learned about the tragedy of the atomic bombing, and his strong feelings prompted him to present the Hiroshima Peace Charity Concert. In Hiroshima, which marks the 70th anniversary of the atomic bombing this year, Mr. Fedoseyev, a maestro who also knows the tragic nature of war, led an orchestra in producing beautiful, prayer-like sounds.
An audience of about 1,600 filled the HBG Hall in Hiroshima Bunka Gakuen in Naka Ward. Mr. Fedoseyev, who has led the Tchaikovsky Symphony Orchestra (formerly the Moscow Radio Symphony Orchestra) for more than 40 years, conducted 100 musicians for a performance of three pieces by Tchaikovsky. Eight members of the Hiroshima Symphony Orchestra joined the “Serenade for Strings,” which was performed at the beginning of the concert. The piece featured the celebrated violinist Vadim Repin, who captivated the audience with his brilliant playing.
Mr. Fedosayev said that the A-bomb survivors are passing away, but we must not forget the tragedies of that war. The intensity of his emotion is tied to his early experiences. His hometown, Leningrad (present-day St. Petersburg), was seized and occupied by Nazi forces for about two and a half years during World War II, and suffered from mass starvation and death. The schools even lacked heat, and Mr. Fedosayev said that thinking of those days brought back the fright he once felt.
Mr. Fedosayev put these feelings into Symphony No. 6 “Pathetique,” the main piece of this performance. After World War II, music became the thing that made life worth living for him. He said that his feelings of sorrow and joy were reflected in the symphony. He ended the concert with “Prayer for Peace,” the special piece he first dedicated to the A-bomb survivors at the performance 22 years ago, and received a roar of applause.
The concert was held during a break between concerts in Fukuoka on May 26 and in Tokyo on May 28, though Mr. Fedosayev’s faltering health temporarily jeopardized his visit to Japan. Moved by his enthusiasm to return to Hiroshima, the event was organized by both public and private committees and supported by a total of 150 companies. The proceeds from the concert, where the wish for peace was strengthened, will go to A-bomb-related facilities and areas affected by last year’s landslides.
(Originally published on May 28, 2015)
Vladimir Fedoseyev, 82, the world-renowned conductor from Russia, staged a concert in Hiroshima on May 27 for the first time in 22 years. During his previous visit to Hiroshima for a performance, he learned about the tragedy of the atomic bombing, and his strong feelings prompted him to present the Hiroshima Peace Charity Concert. In Hiroshima, which marks the 70th anniversary of the atomic bombing this year, Mr. Fedoseyev, a maestro who also knows the tragic nature of war, led an orchestra in producing beautiful, prayer-like sounds.
An audience of about 1,600 filled the HBG Hall in Hiroshima Bunka Gakuen in Naka Ward. Mr. Fedoseyev, who has led the Tchaikovsky Symphony Orchestra (formerly the Moscow Radio Symphony Orchestra) for more than 40 years, conducted 100 musicians for a performance of three pieces by Tchaikovsky. Eight members of the Hiroshima Symphony Orchestra joined the “Serenade for Strings,” which was performed at the beginning of the concert. The piece featured the celebrated violinist Vadim Repin, who captivated the audience with his brilliant playing.
Mr. Fedosayev said that the A-bomb survivors are passing away, but we must not forget the tragedies of that war. The intensity of his emotion is tied to his early experiences. His hometown, Leningrad (present-day St. Petersburg), was seized and occupied by Nazi forces for about two and a half years during World War II, and suffered from mass starvation and death. The schools even lacked heat, and Mr. Fedosayev said that thinking of those days brought back the fright he once felt.
Mr. Fedosayev put these feelings into Symphony No. 6 “Pathetique,” the main piece of this performance. After World War II, music became the thing that made life worth living for him. He said that his feelings of sorrow and joy were reflected in the symphony. He ended the concert with “Prayer for Peace,” the special piece he first dedicated to the A-bomb survivors at the performance 22 years ago, and received a roar of applause.
The concert was held during a break between concerts in Fukuoka on May 26 and in Tokyo on May 28, though Mr. Fedosayev’s faltering health temporarily jeopardized his visit to Japan. Moved by his enthusiasm to return to Hiroshima, the event was organized by both public and private committees and supported by a total of 150 companies. The proceeds from the concert, where the wish for peace was strengthened, will go to A-bomb-related facilities and areas affected by last year’s landslides.
(Originally published on May 28, 2015)
