Peace Arch Hiroshima Project
– A message of peace through music from Hiroshima to the world –
Hiroshima – a symbol of peace
Hiroshima is internationally known as a symbol of recovery and peace. The Peace Arch Hiroshima Project aims to send a strong message of peace from Hiroshima to the world through music as the universal “language”, and create a system that continuously supports peace promotion activities.
Through this project, Hiroshima hopes to lead the way when it comes to promoting the need for a globally connected and sustainable society based on a new way of living in true peace and a new vision for society in order to preserve the future for generations to come. For world peace to truly happen, Hiroshima seeks to become an “International Peace Hub” that promotes world peace by connecting people around the world, encouraging people to think together about common issues and creating a global community for peace.
Ms. Martha Argerich agrees with us
As you may know, Ms. Martha Argerich is a world-famous pianist. The Chairperson of the Peace Arch Hiroshima Executive Committee (the Governor of Hiroshima Prefecture) awarded her the Hiroshima Peace Prize, which is for musicians who made the greatest contribution to sending out Hiroshima’s message of peace to the world.
She was praised for playing at An Evening of Peace Concert 2015 with the Hiroshima Symphony Orchestra, which has a mission of music for peace. The concert and her message of peace was widely reported by the press. Ms. Argerich said, “I’m very proud to be part of this contribution to the Peace Music Project in Hiroshima. It’s the best possible place to start peace and music.”
It’s never too late to join us! You can watch our concerts on the web!
The Project consisted of three concerts this year. Approximately 4,000 people came to see the concerts. We were able to provide the audience with an opportunity to reconsider world peace through music.
One of our objectives is to spread a message of peace from Hiroshima to the world, and to produce content that attracts large audiences. We are uploading clips of these concerts on our website that will be available to stream from 17 October for free!
1 Classical Music Concert
The Hiroshima Symphony Orchestra, Polish Orchestra and a Japanese pianist—who was a finalist of the 2015 Chopin International Piano Competition —performed together on stage. Is classical music boring? Long winded? Not at all! These pieces are hauntingly beautiful and stunning.
PROGRAM
-Chopin Piano Concerto No. 1 in E Minor, Op 11
-Beethoven Symphony No. 9 in D Minor, Op 125 (with chorus)
2 Requiem Concert
A pianist from Hiroshima, Ms. Mami Hagiwara, performed on a piano that survived the atomic bomb in front of the Peace Memorial Dome. Gentle piano sounds, in front of a monument of peace, create the most peaceful moment.
PROGRAM
-Bach-Gounod Ave Maria
-Schumann Arabesque
-Schumann-Liszt Widmung
3 Local Artists Concert
This was a three-part concert featuring many genres performed by artists who play mainly in Hiroshima or were selected through public invitation.
Several different types of musical instruments, such as a Japanese harp (koto), drums, gamelans and a synthesizer, created a harmony for peace. All performers improvised together to produce this sound which is rich in originality and talent!
For more information, please visit the PEACE ARCH HIROSHIMA website. You don’t want to miss it!