‘The Suzuki Cello 70th Anniversary The 26th Suzuki Method Cello Grand Concert’
Bunkyo Civic Hall Main Hall, 6th April 2025 Event by Talent Education Research Institute
Event Statement of Purpose
Purpose of the event The Suzuki Cello 70th anniversary 26th Suzuki Method Cello Grand Concert will be held on Sunday, 6th April 2025 at the Bunkyo Civic Hall Main Hall (Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo) by Talent Education Research Institute.
The aim of the event is to contribute to the education of children as well-rounded people through music and the arts, with the hope of bringing happiness to children all over the world, and to contribute to the creation of world peace in the near future.
Significance and background of the event After returning to Japan in January 1954, Yoshio Sato, the first Asian cellist to be taught by Casals in Prades for two and a half years, founded the Suzuki Method Cello curriculum with Shinichi Suzuki, with the aim of nurturing children to become fine cultured individuals through music and the arts. In order to convey the profound musicality of Casals, Yoshio Sato created a collection of cello teaching pieces that recorded the performance methods of the great man, and trained many students, greatly expanding the base of the Japanese cello world, regardless of whether they were professionals or amateurs.
In 1961, when Casals came to Japan, 400 violin and cello students from the Talent Education Research Institute gave a welcome performance in front of the Maestro at Bunkyo Public Hall. Casals was moved to tears and left the following words:
Casals surrounded by children on stage
‘Ladies and gentlemen, I assist to one of the most moving scenes that one can see. What we are contemplating has much more importance than it seems. I don’t think that in any country in the world we could feel such spirit of fraternity or cordiality in its utmost. I feel in every moment that I have had the privilege of living in this country such proof of heart, of desire of a better world. And this is what has impressed me most in this country. The superlative desire of the highest things in life - and how wonderful is to see that the grown-up people think of the smallest like this as to teach them to begin with the noble feelings, with the noble deeds. And one of these is music. To train them to music, to make them understand that music is not only sound to have to dance, or to have small pleasure, but such a high thing in life that perhaps it is music that will save the world.
Now, I not only congratulate you, the teachers, the grown up people, but I want to say: my whole admiration, my whole respect and my heartiest congratulations. And another thing that I am happy to say at this moment is that Japan is a great people, and Japan is not only great by its deeds in industrial, in science, in art, but Japan is, I would say, the heart of the heart, and this is what humanity needs first, first, first.’ In this 70th anniversary year, we will sing an ode to peace as a tribute to Casals, who was the foundation of the Suzuki Method for Cello, together with the children and alumni.
Event name
‘Suzuki Cello 70th Anniversary 26th Suzuki Method Cello Grand Concert’
Name of the organisation hosting the event Organiser: Talent Education Research Institute (TERI) ‘The 26th Suzuki Cello Grand Concert Executive Committee’ Chairman of the Concert Organising Committee: Dr. Ryugo Hayano, Chairman of the TERI Board of Directors Chairman of the Grand Concert Executive Committee: Masataka Aikawa,TERI
Parent body of the concert Talent Education Research Institute (TERI) 3-10-3 Fukashi, Matsumoto-shi, Nagano-ken 390-8511
Date
Sunday 6th April 2025 Doors open at 13:00 Performance begins at 13:30
Venue Bunkyo Civic Hall Main Hall (1-16-21 Kasuga, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 112-0003)
About the Suzuki Method Educational Association In 1946, its founder, Shinichi Suzuki (17 October1898- 26 January1998), established the Matsumoto Music School in Matsumoto City, Nagano Prefecture, based on his experience of training outstanding violinists who would later go on to perform on the world stage, including Toshiya Eto and Koji Toyoda. This was the starting point for the Suzuki Method, and in October 1950, the Suzuki Method Educational Association was established with approval from the then Ministry of Education.
Shinichi Suzuki discovered the ‘Mother Tongue educational method’, which states that children's abilities are not innate but are nurtured by the environment in which they are raised. When he put this method into practice through the violin, he achieved great results that had not been possible with conventional education, and the Talent Education movement spread throughout the country.
In 1958, a film of children learning the Suzuki Method was shown in the United States. The outstanding tone, appearance and high artistic quality of the performances had a great impact and moved people all over the country. Many teachers from around the world began to visit Shinichi Suzuki, and the Suzuki Method began to spread around the world.
The Suzuki Method, which has been recognised worldwide, is now being taught in 74 countries and regions, with around 400,000 students studying the method, and it is also being introduced into university classes, where it is highly regarded. In Japan, around 20,000 students are studying the method under the guidance of 1,000 instructors.
In addition, Dr. Suzuki believed that nurturing ‘beautiful hearts’ as well as ‘beautiful tone’ was important, and he continued his movement based on the belief that nurturing sensitivity through music and nurturing people with beautiful hearts would create a peaceful and prosperous world.
As a result, the Suzuki Method has produced not only musicians but also many people who are active in diverse fields, and it continues to achieve great results as a form of human education that goes beyond mere music education.
On 1st October 2012, the Suzuki Method was recognised by the Cabinet Office and became a public-interest incorporated association.
The 16th World Convention was held in Matsumoto, the birthplace of the Suzuki Method, from 27th to 31st March 2013, in the presence of Her Imperial Highness Princess Takamado, the Honorary President of the Suzuki Method. It was the largest World Convention ever, with 5,400 participants from 35 countries and regions.
On 31st March 2014, the Suzuki Method 50th Anniversary Ten- Children Concert was held at the Suntory Hall Main Hall, with former Commissioner for Cultural Affairs Seiichi Kondo as Honorary Chairman, and the attendance of Her Imperial Highness Princess Takamado and representatives of the Royal Household. On 4th April 2018, the 54th Suzuki Method Grand Concert was held at Ryogoku Kogukikan (National Sumo Hall) for the first time in nine years, and Their Majesties the Emperor and Empress (now His Majesty the Emperor Emeritus and Her Majesty the Empress Emerita) and Her Imperial Highness Princess Takamado attended the event. Ten years later, at the 3rd International Teacher Trainer Conference held in Matsumoto from 13th to 15th October 2023, Suzuki teacher trainers from around the world gathered together with Japanese teachers to learn about the Suzuki Method and its practical application.
Participants * 200 cello students enrolled in the Suzuki Method 100 violin students enrolled in the Suzuki Method (supporting performance) Suzuki Method cello graduates (OB/OG) Tsutsumi Tsuyoshi (cellist) (awarded the Order of Culture in 2024)
Programme Please refer to the flyer.
Admission 1,000 yen in advance, 1,500 yen on the day (all seats unreserved)
Ticket sales start date Ticket applications will start on January 20th 2025. Details will be announced on the Cello Department official website and in the TERI online magazine, Monthly Suzuki. *Pre-school children are also allowed to attend, but if they require a seat, they will need a ticket.
