Musicians from the Omiya City Wind Symphony of Saitama, Japan, were on their way to the Tokyo Airport on March 11 when the devastating natural disaster dashed hopes of leaving for Hawaii.  They were scheduled to perform a concert with the Honolulu Community Concert Band on March 12.

The joint concert never happened, but the Honolulu band, under the direction of Les Tanaka, performed a benefit concert that raised more than $5,000 for the Japanese Tsunami Relief effort.   Fast forward 10 months: now the bands will come together to perform a free concert at 2 p.m. at the Pearl City High School Cultural Center (2100 Hookiekie Street).

Honolulu’s 75-member community band, established in 1973, has been practicing throughout the summer and fall for the long-anticipated concert. According to band director Les Tanaka, “In March, we were glad to hear that everyone was okay.  Then in June, they contacted us and said they were planning on coming back.  The gift of music has brought our two communities closer together despite all that has happened. It truly is a once in a lifetime opportunity and honor to perform with the Omiya musicians.”

The Japanese band is conducted by world-renowned band director and composer Toshio Akiyama, who also led the Sony Japan Corporation band for 42 years.

“Mr. Akiyama is highly regarded as the ‘father of the wind band movement’ in Japan,” said Tanaka. The 81-year-old Akiyama has been highly sought out as a guest conductor throughout the world. He has been honored by the prestigious American Bandmasters Association and the World Association for Symphonic Bands and Ensembles.

The featured soloist for the Omiya City Wind Symphony is Jun Yamaoka, euphonium virtuoso who teaches at the Shobi College of Music in Japan and studied with legendary tuba player, Arnold Jacobs.

Community bands around the world share the mission of providing amateur musicians the opportunity to practice and perform.  Musicians come from all walks of life including music teachers, business people, professors, doctors, lawyers, and students. 

Like the Honolulu Community Concert Band, players in the Omiya City Wind Symphony come from all backgrounds and professions.  Both bands perform seasonal music throughout the year to entertain their local audiences.

Music performed at the January 28th concert includes contemporary band music, jazz, traditional folk music, and a spirited Klezmer wedding dance. The public is invited to attend.

For more information, visit www.hcband.org.