Soma Children's Orchestra and Chorus

On Saturday 21 March, the 11th El Sistema Children’s Music Festival in Soma was successfully held.

The Soma Children’s Chorus’s performance began with an a cappella rendition of ‘Sakura Sakura (a famous Cherry bloosom song known for another national anthem)’, during which the children walked from the audience onto the stage whilst singing. One audience member commented, ‘It was beautiful, like petals falling.’ During the songs Flowers We Will Be and HORANE (You See?) , which were inspired by the earthquake disaster back in 2011, some members even found themselves in tears whilst singing.

In the choral version of 11 piki no neko (ElevenHungry Cats), four new members—including a grade 1 pupil—showed no signs of nervousness, and everyone performed their roles with great humour and confidence. Supported by the beautiful harmonies of our guest performers, Regalo Tokyo, and our alumni, the performance was a mix of laughter and tears.

Looking at the photos taken before the concert, you can almost hear everyone’s energetic voices shouting, ‘Let’s do our best!’ and ‘Yeah!’. After the performance, we were able to take commemorative photos with Fujio Furuhashi (conductor), Harumi Noma (piano), Eri Saiki (choreographer), Yayoi Ojima, Yuko Ogai (on-site teachers) and Junko Hanzawa (on-sitel pianist), who brought out the best in the children through their loving guidance.

Thanks to the audience members who came from both within and outside Soma City, as well as all our sponsors, we were able to make this a hugely successful music festival.

We would like to express our heartfelt gratitude to everyone who supported us. In the new academic year, all of us in the Soma Children’s Chorus will continue our activities with joy and bring our lively singing voices to everyone!

The Soma Children's Chorus appeared as a special guest at the Soma performance of the popular concert series, "Takarakuji Oshaberi Ongakukan (National Lotterry Chat Show): Screen Music Memories." The concert, which travels to various locations across Japan, was held at the Soma Civic Hall on November 15th 2025.

For the four members who joined the chorus this year, this was their debut.. However, they were their usual dependable selves, confidently declaring that they weren't nervous! The teachers were enthusiastic, and vibrant singing voices echoed throughout the waiting room.

After enjoying a delicious boxed lunch, the children settled into the audience for the first half of the concert. They were deeply moved by musical actress Kaho Shimada's stunning vocals and couldn't take their eyes off her. When pianist Takashi Obara played familiar tunes, the children's bodies swayed naturally to the rhythm.

During the kobanashi (comic monologue) by Koasa Shunputei, a well-known comedian, the audience erupted in laughter, but the children looked puzzled. It was a heartwarming moment when a teacher carefully explained the wordplay to them, and they finally understood, saying, "Ah, that makes sense!"

Near the end of the concert, the Soma Children's Chorus appeared as the representative local choir. Backed by the Oshaberi Ongakukan Pops Orchestra, led by conductor Koichi Fujino, they performed Miagete Goran Yoru no Hoshi o (Look Up at the Stars in the Night) and Do Re Mi Song along side the other performers. Ms. Shimada sang along with the children, making eye contact and pointing the microphone toward each of them individually.

Following the performance, the staff of Oshaberi Ongakukan praised the group: "Though you are a small group, you were the most skilled choir we have ever heard," and "It felt as if you were all very comfortable performing on a big stage."

Performing with famous artists whom they had only seen on television, right in their local hall, was a wonderful and incredibly fun experience for the children.

We really appreciate your continuous support to our endeavor to realize quality music education to those who need most.