Chugoku
Shimbun (Morning Edition) September 7, 2025 (Reiwa 7), Sunday
Song of
Requiem and Anti-War Resonates in Hiroshima
Hiroshima
Symphony Orchestra Holds Special Performance for the 80th Anniversary of the
Atomic Bombing
The
Hiroshima Symphony Orchestra's special performance commemorating the 80th
anniversary of the atomic bombing was held on the 6th at the Hiroshima
International Conference Center in Naka-ku, Hiroshima. The orchestra performed
British composer Benjamin Britten's "War Requiem." The Bournemouth
Symphony Chorus from the United Kingdom also performed, powerfully conveying a
message of solace for the departed souls and a call against war.
The
performance was a masterpiece consisting of six movements and lasting an hour
and a half. Gavin Carr, the music director of the chorus, conducted the grand
ensemble, which included three soloists from both Japan and the U.K., as well
as the NHK Hiroshima Children's Choir.[1] The
sharp sounds of brass and percussion, along with the poignant singing of the
tenor and baritone, depicted scenes of battle, while the soprano solo,
suggesting salvation, resonated with rich emotion.
In the
finale, as two male soloists portraying dying enemy soldiers sang to each
other, "Let us sleep now," the piece reached its climax. As a serene
chorus offered a prayer of "Amen" to conclude the performance, the
audience of approximately one thousand was enveloped in emotion. (By Yui
Kihara)
Other
photos are available on "Chugoku Shimbun Digital."
Photo
Caption:
The "War Requiem" performed in
collaboration with the British chorus group (on the upper stage). (Photo by
Takahiro Inoue)