New works from four renowned European composers for the brass and wind band medium were recently featured alongside premieres of works by leading Japanese writers in a special event in Tokyo.

It was the culmination of a ground breaking project spearheaded by the Siena Wind Orchestra, one of the most renowned professional wind ensembles in Japan, and one that saw eight new works premiered at a special concert held at the Bunkyo City Hall as well as a recording on the critically acclaimed Avex Classical label.

Works

The works came from the pens of Jan van der Roost, Philip Sparke, Johan de Meij and Oliver Waespi alongside their counterparts Yosuke Fukuda, Nakahashi Yoshio, Daisuke Shimizu and Miho Hazama.

Oliver Waespi and Philip Sparke were able to make the trip to Japan for the occasion to work alongside Keitaro Harada (above), one of Japan's most influential orchestral and wind band conductors.

This was a most significant initiative and the concert in particular was an inspirational occasion and so professionally delivered from an outstanding orchestraOliver Waespi

Outstanding

Speaking to 4BR about the project, Oliver told 4BR: "This was a most significant initiative and the concert in particular was an inspirational occasion and so professionally delivered from an outstanding orchestra.

All in all it was a memorable musical trip to Japan which proved once again its outstanding profile in the field of wind music."