Spirit of Japan

Salem Symphonic Winds opens its 51st season with Spirit of Japan, a vibrant celebration of Japanese art, music, and culture. Under the direction of John Skelton, the ensemble will perform at 3:00 PM on Sunday, November 2nd in Rose Auditorium at South Salem High School. The program features three strikingly different works: Julie Giroux’s Symphony No. 4 – Bookmarks from Japan, Akito Matsuda’s Liz and the Blue Bird, and Yasuhide Ito’s Gloriosa.

Giroux’s Bookmarks from Japan was inspired by a set of 19th-century woodblock print bookmarks gifted by a friend. Each movement is a musical impression of one image, blending vivid storytelling with echoes of traditional Japanese folk music. Known for her work in film and television, Giroux brings cinematic flair to the symphony, especially in the exhilarating final movement—fueled by her love of video games and a virtual race along the historic Tokaido Highway near Hakone Pass.

Experience the magic of Liz and the Blue Bird, a captivating four-movement suite by Akito Matsuda, drawn from the beloved anime series Sound! Euphonium. This beautifully orchestrated work blends delicate textures with emotional depth, telling a poignant story of friendship, longing, and transformation. Whether you're a longtime anime fan or simply love evocative music, this work offers a unique and moving experience for audiences of all ages. Join us for an unforgettable journey through sound and story.

Don’t miss the powerful conclusion to our concert: Gloriosa by Yasuhide Ito, a dramatic and deeply moving work inspired by Shusaku Endo’s acclaimed novel Silence. This masterful composition explores the tension between spiritual devotion and cultural identity during a time when Christianity was banned in Japan. With rich textures and emotional intensity, Gloriosa evokes the resilience of hidden faith and the beauty of cultural fusion. Though the novel also inspired a film by Martin Scorsese, this music stands alone as a profound and unforgettable musical experience.

All seats in Rose Auditorium offer excellent sight lines and acoustics. Tickets are general admission and seats are available on a first-come, first-served basis the day of the concert. Don’t miss this powerful and inspiring musical journey through the Spirit of Japan!