Greeting

A greeting from TSIVMC 2025

On behalf of the Executive Committee of the Tamba Sasayama International Viola Master Class 2025,
I would like to extend my greetings.

We are delighted to welcome Ms. Nobuko Imai, one of Japan’s most renowned viola players, along with her friends and world-class young violists Mr. Veit Hertenstein, Ms. Wenting Kang, and Mr. Nian Liu, to Tamba Sasayama for the Tamba Sasayama International Viola Master Class 2025.

This year marks the fifth edition of the master class in Tamba Sasayama, which will be held from September 6 to September 15. Over the course of 10 days, the program will host 12 selected students from Japan and abroad, the four esteemed faculties, and three pianists. All participants will immerse themselves in a journey of musical exploration through the viola, practicing and learning from morning until night at the Den-en Symphony Hall.

The program includes public lessons and three major concerts: two concerts on September 13 and 14 featuring the students’ achievements and a concluding concert by the faculties on September 15. Additionally, parts of the lessons will be open to the public each day. Free Odekake Concerts performed by the students will be held at various locations in the city, and there will also be opportunities for interaction with the Tamba Sasayama Amateur Orchestra and the Meloman Chamber Orchestra members.

The Executive Committee, comprised of more than a dozen music enthusiasts from Tamba Sasayama City, is dedicated to supporting the participants, ensuring a smooth and enriching experience for students, faculties, and pianists alike. Our role includes assisting with public lessons, master class concerts, and Odekake Concert operations, as well as coordinating exchanges between the master class and the local community.

Though the viola may be less familiar to the general public compared to the violin or cello, its unique charm has captivated our committee members. Many of us have become ardent viola fans after witnessing the masterful lessons and breathtaking performances during the master class concerts. It is our sincere wish to share the beauty of viola music with as many people as possible, both within and beyond Tamba Sasayama City.

The Den-en Symphony Hall, renowned as one of the best-sounding halls in the world, is located in Tamba Sasayama, a picturesque castle town with over 400 years of history. The town features a stunning landscape, including a castle surrounded by moats in all directions, and samurai and merchant districts designated as groups of traditional buildings. Tamba Sasayama is also famous for its culinary delights, such as black soybeans, mountain potatoes, Botan nabe (wild boar hot pot), and Tamba Sasayama beef, which are always a highlight for our faculties and students.

We warmly invite music lovers to visit Tamba Sasayama during the festival period, attend the public lessons, and enjoy the master class concerts.

We are looking forward to welcoming you all to the Tamba Sasayama International Viola Master Class 2025.

The TSIVMC Executive Committee
Hagimori Manabu