Rehearsals are in Japanese
Japanese is the main language of our rehearsals and instruction. Most members do not speak English fluently, so we want to be clear about this from the start.
Welcome
A mixed choir with local roots
Karuizawa Symphonic Chorus is an amateur mixed choir based in Karuizawa, Nagano Prefecture, Japan. We enjoy learning, rehearsing and performing choral music together, and taking part in the cultural life of our community.
Japanese music and more
Our repertoire is mainly Japanese choral music, including works based on Japanese poetry and songs. We also enjoy singing works in other languages.
Music brings people together
We perform at local concerts and community events, and sometimes collaborate with choirs from other places in Japan.
Listen
Hear us sing
These recordings offer a small sample of our repertoire: a Japanese song as well as works performed in Latin. Press play to listen.
Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart — Ave Verum Corpus
Latin · Mixed choir · Approx. 2 min 40 sec · Recorded at the Green Music Festival, 2018
Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart — Lacrimosa
Latin · Mixed choir · Approx. 3 min 13 sec · Recorded at the Attaka Concert, 2018
“Awate Tokoya” (The Barber in a Hurry)
Japanese · Women’s three-part choir · Approx. 2 min 54 sec · Attaka Concert, 2018
“Chin Chin Chidori” (The Plover’s Song)
Japanese · Mixed four-part choir · Approx. 4 min 4 sec · 5th Attaka Concert, November 10, 2018
Also in French: We performed Gabriel Fauré’s Cantique de Jean Racine in 2013. We are preparing to work on this piece again, paying attention to the original French pronunciation.
These recordings are from past performances and are shared here to give you a feel for our music.
Performances
Music in and around Karuizawa
Karuizawa Forest Concert
A local choral event bringing together choirs from the foothills of Mount Asama.
Attaka Concert
Our own concert, where we share the pieces we have been preparing and enjoy singing together for our audience.
Community performances
We also sing at local gatherings, events for older residents, and occasional joint concerts with other choirs.
Interested in singing with us?
Visit a rehearsal and learn about our choir
Whether you live in Japan or are visiting from abroad, you are welcome to contact us if you are interested in singing with Karuizawa Symphonic Chorus.
We are an amateur choir that rehearses regularly and works together over time to prepare music for performances. If you are interested in being part of a choir, we welcome you to visit a rehearsal and experience how we work together. Depending on the rehearsal and the circumstances, you may also have an opportunity to sing with us.
A visit is an opportunity to experience our rehearsals and consider whether taking part in the choir might be right for you. If you are interested in participating regularly or for a limited period, please tell us about your circumstances and we can discuss what may be possible.
A note about language: Our rehearsals and musical instruction are conducted in Japanese. Most of our members do not speak English fluently, so we cannot guarantee English-language support. Being able to follow explanations, rehearsal directions, and communication with other singers in Japanese will make participation much easier.
We welcome enquiries from people with different backgrounds and circumstances. Please tell us a little about yourself and your interest in the choir when you contact us.
Explore
More about the choir
About the choir
Read about our history, musical leadership and the people who have supported our activities.
Introduction (Japanese)Our newsletter, TUTTI
Our choir newsletter records performances, activities and memories. Issues are available in Japanese.
TUTTI back issues (Japanese)Get in touch
Questions about visiting, participation or our performances are welcome.
English contact page