Yokohama Ensemble Wonderland Vol.4 "When Strings Connect, Hearts Follow: STRING STARS!" Chamber Concert by Japan Philharmonic Orchestra's Masters, September 15 (Tue) (On Sale June 19)

The Japan Philharmonic Orchestra (JPO), a public interest foundation headquartered in Suginami City, Tokyo (Chairman: Kunio Ishizuka), will present "Yokohama Ensemble Wonderland Vol.4" on Tuesday, September 15, 2026, at 7:00 PM at the Small Hall of Yokohama Minatomirai Hall. Titled "When Strings Connect, Hearts Follow: STRING STARS!", this chamber music concert will feature a string octet performance led by Solo Concertmaster Yasutomo Ogita, Guest Principal Violist Mari Ando, and Solo Cellist Hiroki Kadowaki. The program includes Mendelssohn's String Octet and other masterpieces. General ticket sales begin Friday, June 19, at 10:00 AM.

Japan Philharmonic Orchestra

■ About Yokohama Ensemble Wonderland

"Yokohama Ensemble Wonderland" is a chamber music concert series launched in June 2023 as a companion program to the "Japan Philharmonic Yokohama Regular Concerts," which has a history of over 50 years and more than 400 performances. Held annually at the Small Hall of Yokohama Minatomirai Hall, the series offers audiences an intimate opportunity to experience the musicality and individuality of each JPO musician up close.

The first half features a curated ensemble performance program, while the second half includes an interview-style talk event with audience Q&A. A signed merchandise giveaway adds to the engaging atmosphere, making it a concert that combines musical excellence with personal interaction.

Yokohama Ensemble Wonderland Vol.3 brass quintet. Group photo with audience members during the second-half talk session's prize draw.

■ Mendelssohn's String Octet

Mendelssohn composed this energetic work before his string quartets, while still young. The string octet uniquely blends the intimacy of a string quartet with the rich sonority of a string orchestra. Each player carries an independent voice, creating a lush, vibrant, and harmonically rich sound. The work showcases a wide range of expression—from delicate dialogues to orchestral-scale grandeur. The first violin part, carrying the main melody, demands soloist-level virtuosity; audiences are encouraged to appreciate the exquisite tone of Solo Concertmaster Yasutomo Ogita.

The featured composers—Schubert, Mozart, and Mendelssohn—were all prodigious geniuses who died in their thirties. Though not flashy, their deeply expressive works invite attentive listening. Enjoy the finely tuned ensemble playing of string musicians who usually perform within the orchestra.

Yasutomo Ogita (Concertmaster), Tarō Itō (Violin), Sayumi Suehiro (Violin), Akihiro Tamura (Violin)

Mari Ando (Guest Principal Violist), Shiori Etō (Viola), Hiroki Kadowaki (Solo Cellist), Nozomi Ehara (Cello)

Photo Credit: Shigeto Imura

■ Performance Details

Yokohama Ensemble Wonderland Vol.4

September 15, 2026 (Tue) 7:00 PM (Doors open at 6:30 PM)

Yokohama Minatomirai Hall, Small Hall

Japan Philharmonic String Octet

Violin: Yasutomo Ogita [Solo Concertmaster], Tarō Itō, Sayumi Suehiro, Akihiro Tamura

Viola: Mari Ando [Guest Principal], Shiori Etō

Cello: Hiroki Kadowaki [Solo Cello], Nozomi Ehara

[Part 1]

Schubert: String Trio No.1 in B-flat major, D471 (Ogita, Ando, Kadowaki)

Mozart: Divertimento K.137

Mendelssohn: On Wings of Song (arranged by Tetsuya Sugimoto)

Mendelssohn: String Octet in E-flat major, Op.20

[Part 2] Talk Event

All seats reserved

· General: ¥3,000

· Members: ¥2,500*

· U18 Seats: ¥1,000

*Members: Paid members of any Japan Philharmonic membership program or Web Friends members of Minatomirai Hall.

*Not recommended for preschool children.

Ticket Purchase

Japan Philharmonic Service Center

TEL: 03-5378-5911 (Weekdays 10:00–17:00)

https://japanphil.or.jp/concert/20260915

Organizer: Japan Philharmonic Orchestra

Cooperation: Yokohama Minatomirai Hall (Yokohama Arts Foundation, a public interest foundation)