Z Notes Blog by Jim Zumwalt
Z Notes Banner
Music and Globalization

May 15 - My wife Ann and I recently attended a music festival at the Tokyo International Forum called La Folle Journee au Japon. It was modeled after a French festival and featured seven theaters with classical music concerts in this year's theme - music by Johann Sebastian Bach. The festival was unique because small children were encouraged to attend and gain an appreciation for classical music. Performances were short to remain accessible to the young audience, and our program included some wonderful cartoons introducing the lives of famous composers. The program also encouraged us to "take a look at the child sitting near you. He or she might become Japan's next maestro!"

One concert we attended featured a group of four Russian musicians playing traditional folk instruments. As I looked around the concert hall at the Japanese children listening to this lovely Russian interpretation of songs by a German composer, I could not help but marvel at the way music reaches across borders. It may have been true in the past that Bach represented "Western music," but to this concert hall of young Japanese "maestros," these melodies have very much become a part of their own culture.

In the same way, Japanese culture has begun to permeate my home country where American children can now enjoy sushi, play Japanese computer games, watch Japanese anime or cheer on their favorite Japanese baseball players. We all lead much richer lives because of this cultural interchange.

That day, Ann and I enjoyed the live music, but we also appreciated the chance to share a wonderful international experience with so many young Japanese music lovers.

Until next time,

Jim

Embassy of the United States Embassy Main |  U.S. Citizen Services |  Visas |  Policy Issues |  State Department
Contact Us |  Privacy |  Webmaster