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?
You are welcome to ask about a visit
Are you an experienced singer staying in the Tokyo metropolitan area, or living elsewhere in Japan, and looking for a choir where you can sing? Karuizawa is reachable from Tokyo in around an hour by shinkansen, depending on your starting point and connection. We welcome enquiries from people who would like to visit a rehearsal and learn more about us.
We want prospective members to know what to expect: rehearsals and musical instruction are conducted in Japanese, and most members are not fluent English speakers. A few members have international backgrounds or experience with English, but we cannot promise full English-language support at every rehearsal.
You do not necessarily have to join for a whole year. Depending on the season and project, limited-period participation or taking part in a particular event may be possible. Please ask us about the options available at the time.
An important point: Rehearsals and musical instruction are in Japanese. You will need enough Japanese to follow explanations, rehearsal directions and communication with fellow singers. We have a few members with international backgrounds or English experience, but most members do not speak English fluently and we cannot promise full English-language support.
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