Two Sapporo Pianists to Perform with Sapporo Symphony Orchestra: Audition-Selected Musicians Take the Stage
Ai-Plan will hold the 'Connections in Form Concert 2026' in Sapporo on September 22, 2026. Two pianists selected through an open audition will perform with the Sapporo Symphony Orchestra, aiming to promote regional culture and support musicians.
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Ai-Plan Co., Ltd. (Headquarters: Sapporo City) will hold the 'Connections in Form Concert 2026' at the Sapporo Concert Hall Kitara Main Hall on Tuesday, September 22, 2026. Two musicians selected through an audition targeting freelance pianists residing in Sapporo will perform with the Sapporo Symphony Orchestra. The concert aims to promote regional culture and support musicians, providing opportunities to enjoy classical music more intimately.
This concert is a renewal of the annual performance previously held as the 'Love & Thanks Concert,' now starting anew as the 'Connections in Form Concert.'
In 2026, our company renewed its corporate logo and tagline, adopting the message 'Connections in Form.' This expresses our company's philosophy of valuing human relationships and sentiments, and providing them as concrete services.
As part of this initiative, the concert will create opportunities for people to feel connected through music, and contribute to the development of community-based cultural activities by creating performance opportunities for musicians active in Hokkaido.
■ Open Audition and Selection of Two Sapporo Pianists
A characteristic of this performance is the selection of soloists through open audition. This time, applications were sought for the piano division, and two individuals, Ms. Miki Watabe and Ms. Yui Mikami, were selected from numerous applicants to perform piano concertos with the Sapporo Symphony Orchestra.
The audition is held annually for different instruments; last year it was for the wind instrument division. For musicians active in Hokkaido, performing with a professional orchestra is a valuable opportunity, and this initiative contributes to the revitalization of local music culture.
■ Regional Cultural Promotion and Initiatives to Make Music Accessible
This concert is planned with the aim of contributing to regional culture and expanding the reach of classical music.
Furthermore, a distinctive feature of this performance is its relatively affordable pricing, making it easy for those unfamiliar with classical concerts or students studying music to attend.
It also serves as an opportunity for a wide range of people to experience classical music for the first time.
■ Organizer's Comment (Ai-Plan Co., Ltd.)
This concert is planned with the desire to provide a new stage for musicians active in Hokkaido.
This time, an audition was held for freelance pianists residing in Sapporo, and the two selected musicians will perform with the Sapporo Symphony Orchestra. We believe that performing with a professional orchestra is a great opportunity for musicians to grow and contributes to the development of community-based music culture.
Also, to allow more people to enjoy classical music, we have set an affordable price for attendance. We hope that this performance will be an opportunity for those who have had few chances to experience classical music to feel its charm.
The next 'Ai-Plan Concert 2027' is planned to hold auditions for the vocal division, with application guidelines expected to be announced around September 2026. We will continue to expand our fields, working to create performance opportunities for musicians active in Hokkaido and promote culture.
For more details:
https://www.apg-aiplan.com/news/single/38425
【Event Outline】
Connections in Form Concert 2026
Date: Tuesday, September 22, 2026 (public holiday) 3:00 PM start (2:00 PM doors open)
Venue: Sapporo Concert Hall Kitara Main Hall (1-15 Nakajima Park, Chuo-ku, Sapporo, Hokkaido)
Performers: Conductor Kazufumi Yamashita / Pianists Miki Watabe, Yui Mikami / Orchestra Sapporo Symphony Orchestra
Program: Grieg / Piano Concerto in A minor, Op.16, Rachmaninoff / Piano Concerto No. 2 in C minor, Op.18
Fees: S-seat 2,000 yen / A-seat 1,000 yen (tax included)
Organizer: Ai-Plan Co., Ltd.
● Ticket Sales
・Kitara Ticket Center (*Sales start from May 12)
Available by phone, internet, and at the counter. Seat selection available.
https://www.kitara-sapporo.or.jp/ticket/web.html
・Ai-Plan Concert Office
Applications possible by FAX, mail, or internet. Seat selection not available.
https://www.apg-aiplan.com/news/single/38425
Company Overview
【Ai-Plan Co., Ltd.】
Founded in Sapporo City in Showa 5 (1930) as a catering business. We strive to improve and develop ceremonial services, focusing on a membership system that allows gradual preparation for life's ceremonies such as weddings and funerals.
WEB: https://
This concert is a renewal of the annual performance previously held as the 'Love & Thanks Concert,' now starting anew as the 'Connections in Form Concert.'
In 2026, our company renewed its corporate logo and tagline, adopting the message 'Connections in Form.' This expresses our company's philosophy of valuing human relationships and sentiments, and providing them as concrete services.
As part of this initiative, the concert will create opportunities for people to feel connected through music, and contribute to the development of community-based cultural activities by creating performance opportunities for musicians active in Hokkaido.
■ Open Audition and Selection of Two Sapporo Pianists
A characteristic of this performance is the selection of soloists through open audition. This time, applications were sought for the piano division, and two individuals, Ms. Miki Watabe and Ms. Yui Mikami, were selected from numerous applicants to perform piano concertos with the Sapporo Symphony Orchestra.
The audition is held annually for different instruments; last year it was for the wind instrument division. For musicians active in Hokkaido, performing with a professional orchestra is a valuable opportunity, and this initiative contributes to the revitalization of local music culture.
■ Regional Cultural Promotion and Initiatives to Make Music Accessible
This concert is planned with the aim of contributing to regional culture and expanding the reach of classical music.
Furthermore, a distinctive feature of this performance is its relatively affordable pricing, making it easy for those unfamiliar with classical concerts or students studying music to attend.
It also serves as an opportunity for a wide range of people to experience classical music for the first time.
■ Organizer's Comment (Ai-Plan Co., Ltd.)
This concert is planned with the desire to provide a new stage for musicians active in Hokkaido.
This time, an audition was held for freelance pianists residing in Sapporo, and the two selected musicians will perform with the Sapporo Symphony Orchestra. We believe that performing with a professional orchestra is a great opportunity for musicians to grow and contributes to the development of community-based music culture.
Also, to allow more people to enjoy classical music, we have set an affordable price for attendance. We hope that this performance will be an opportunity for those who have had few chances to experience classical music to feel its charm.
The next 'Ai-Plan Concert 2027' is planned to hold auditions for the vocal division, with application guidelines expected to be announced around September 2026. We will continue to expand our fields, working to create performance opportunities for musicians active in Hokkaido and promote culture.
For more details:
https://www.apg-aiplan.com/news/single/38425
【Event Outline】
Connections in Form Concert 2026
Date: Tuesday, September 22, 2026 (public holiday) 3:00 PM start (2:00 PM doors open)
Venue: Sapporo Concert Hall Kitara Main Hall (1-15 Nakajima Park, Chuo-ku, Sapporo, Hokkaido)
Performers: Conductor Kazufumi Yamashita / Pianists Miki Watabe, Yui Mikami / Orchestra Sapporo Symphony Orchestra
Program: Grieg / Piano Concerto in A minor, Op.16, Rachmaninoff / Piano Concerto No. 2 in C minor, Op.18
Fees: S-seat 2,000 yen / A-seat 1,000 yen (tax included)
Organizer: Ai-Plan Co., Ltd.
● Ticket Sales
・Kitara Ticket Center (*Sales start from May 12)
Available by phone, internet, and at the counter. Seat selection available.
https://www.kitara-sapporo.or.jp/ticket/web.html
・Ai-Plan Concert Office
Applications possible by FAX, mail, or internet. Seat selection not available.
https://www.apg-aiplan.com/news/single/38425
Company Overview
【Ai-Plan Co., Ltd.】
Founded in Sapporo City in Showa 5 (1930) as a catering business. We strive to improve and develop ceremonial services, focusing on a membership system that allows gradual preparation for life's ceremonies such as weddings and funerals.
WEB: https://