The Japan Philharmonic Symphony Orchestra (JPSO) was founded in 1956 by the Bunka Hoso Broadcasting Company. The first Principal Conductor, Maestro
Akeo Watanabe, involved himself extensively in the planning and founding
of the Orchestra, developing a wide-ranging repertory and establishing the
Japan Philharmonic Series (which premiered works by Japanese composers).
In 1959 the JPSO became exclusively contracted to the newly established
Fuji Television company. The Orchestra developed rapidly, performing under
world-class guest conductors such as lgor Markevich and Charles Munch, amongst
others. Under Watanabe's leadership, the Orchestra made highly successful
tours in America and, in 1965, established a member-exchange system with
the Boston Symphony Orchestra. In 1968 Seiji Ozawa was appointed Principal
Conductor.
In
1972 Fuji Television withdrew its funding. However, supported by its wide
audience together with city funds, che Orchestra continued to operate as
a self-run enterprise and, in 1973, a fund-raising organization, the Japan
Philharmonic Association, was established. A wide range of performance activities
was offered under the slogan, 'The Orchestra Grows with its Audience'.
During
the period 1978-84, Watanabe was re-appointed Musical Director and Chief
Conductor and, in 1985, the JPSO became an incorporated foundation. In the
same year Watanabe and Ken'ichiro Kobayashi led the Orchestra on a highly
successful 51-day European tour, visiting nine countries. The Orchestra
continued its campaign to foster stronger links with its existing audience
and the general public.
In
November 1987, Watanabe was re-inscated as Founder Counductor and Music
Director (appointments which endured to his death in 1990) and maescros
Lukacs Ervin and Jiri Belohlavek were appointed Principal Guest Conductors.
In April 1988 Ken'ichiro Kobayashi was appointed Principal Conductor (and
subsequently Guest ChiefConductor in 1990) and Junichi Hirokami, Principal
Conductor, in September 1991 ; James Loughran became Principal Guest Conductor
in September 1993. Together with its Guest Chief Conductor, Ken'ichiro Kobayashi,
the JPSO has previously toured North Arnerica (1990) and Europe (1991)
to great acclaim. Tonight's concert inaugurates the JPSO's third major tour
of Europe which commemorates the 40th anniversary of the Orchestra's foundation.
