Q. You watched Blomstedt’s rehearsals over three days. What did you think?
Shimono: Since I was a child, I have been deeply impressed by Maestro Blomstedt’s music through broadcasts and concerts. The rehearsal was meticulous and thorough, conveying the composer’s message in the score through conducting and singing. I was impressed by how, without doing anything particularly unusual, he performed the piece multiple times and polished it to perfection without leaving a single unclear point.
Q. Have you spoken to Mr. Blomstedt?
Shimono: When I visited him to say hello, he greeted me with a big smile, and we had a lively conversation about a variety of topics. When I mentioned to him how, when I was still in high school, I was moved by a concert of Bruckner’s Symphony No. 4 with the Dresden Staatskapelle in my hometown of Kagoshima, he immediately replied, “That’s a city near a volcano!” I was amazed at the clarity of his memory. I hope he stays healthy and continues to play supreme music.
I’m happy to be able to participate this time not just as a cover, but as a member of the NHK Symphony Orchestra.
Friday, October 24, 2025 7:00pm
NHK Hall
Brahms / Piano Concerto No. 2 B-flat Major Op. 83
Brahms / Symphony No. 3 F Major Op. 90
Conductor : Herbert Blomstedt
Piano : Leif Ove Andsnes
Cover Conductor : Tatsuya Shimono
And on Saturday, October 25, 2025 2:00pm
.