Day 3 began for many with a 7:00 AM departure for an excursion to Kyoto, Japan's former capital city and home to numerous ancient shrines, temples and beautiful gardens. For some (including me) it was an opportunity to get some extra rest and relax a bit after some long days. Those of us who stayed behind enjoyed a short walk through downtown Osaka to a local bakery for lunch. We will have another opportunity to visit Kyoto on our own after Symposium is over and before we head home.
When everyone returned, the first order of business was the traditional group photo of all the Symposium participants. This event's photo was taken outside on a large plaza at the Grand Cube Convention Center. The photographers were lifted above us in a crane while we all gathered together for the photo. I've posted a video and a few photos of part of the process on the AGEHR Facebook page (or will very soon). Following the large group photo, smaller groups gathered for more "official" pictures.
From there we moved to the Main Hall for the 3rd International Solo Concert. Each of these gets better than the last. This concert featured performers from Hong Kong, Japan and our own Barbara Brocker who played a beautiful duet for bell tree and koto, a traditional Japanese string instrument. A video of this performance (as well as a couple others from this concert) is on the AGEHR Facebook page - the two instruments worked so well together - a wonderful performance.
Following the Solo Concert, we went directly to the massed rehearsal room for our 3rd massed rehearsal. Music is coming together very well for the most part. Each conductor is only getting a total of 90 minutes to rehearse their piece before the concert, and much of their time is taken up waiting for translations between English, Japanese, and Korean. Despite these challenges, all are doing a fine job of getting what they need from their time. The AGEHR ad-hoc choir is in the second row from the director, position between two of the very best Japanese choirs in attendance. This is both intimidating and helpful (we can always listen to them for help along the way!)
By the rehearsal ended at 7:15 PM, we were all ready for dinner. After dinner, it was the 4th International Solo Concert - again, better than the one before. While all the choirs have given fine performances, none have just made my jaw drop the way some did on this final concert. The first was ALPHA, a group from Japan led by Kunihiko Taniuchi, one of the massed Japanese directors in Orlando. Check out the video of their performance on the AGEHR Facebook page - so musical, so accurate, a technical showpiece and a joy to watch. WOW! Then a gorgeous performance of Sharon's Song by the Grace Handbell Choir, under the direction of Akira Honda. Mr. Honda has been serving as the emcee for these concerts along with Arthur Shin - Akira does the Japanese and Arthur the English. They are a hoot putting on their own little act as we transition from one group to the next. It was great to this musical side of Akira - a very sensitive performance (also posted). There was also a fun performance of "The Lonely Goatherd" from Sound of Music by the Hallelujah Handbell Choir from Korea and a great malletted version of Carmen by the Festival Handbell Ensemble, also from Korea. When you watch the video of their performance, note the little girl playing triangle - she also served as the flag bearer for Korea in the Opening Ceremonies.
Tomorrow, we start at 8:30 AM with a worship service, then on to more rehearsals and classes. Only two days left!
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