Editor-in-Chief Ishii's ``A Splendid Life of Extraneous Thoughts''

I want to do that, I want to do this. I want to enjoy life even more! Based on such greedy thoughts, we will deliver the daily life of editor-in-chief Ishii, who enjoys life full of distractions. This time, we'll be talking about the special concert presented by Suntory Whiskey Hibiki. I had the opportunity to experience and thoroughly enjoy the performance of world-famous pianist Kyohei Tanda for the first time!

In 1989, to commemorate the 90th anniversary of Suntory's founding, the whiskey ``Hibiki'' was born based on the corporate philosophy of ``harmonizing with people and nature.'' Ishii also loves this blended whisky. Mr. Inatomi, the chief blender at the time who was involved in its development, was apparently familiar with the viola, and it is said that the flavor of Hibiki was inspired by the melody of the fourth movement of Brahms's Symphony No. 1. Hibiki is also developing various projects with the theme of ~HIBIKI THE HARMONY~, and the one-night-only special concert I attended this time was one of them.

We welcomed... world-famous pianist Kyohei Tanda and a special formation of the Japan National Orchestra led by him! In 2021, Mr. Tanda won the highest and second place in Japan at the 18th International Chopin Piano Competition for the first time in half a century. He is active in a variety of fields, including producing orchestras, establishing a new company for that purpose, and operating the music salon "Solistiade." Currently, his talent as a conductor has blossomed, and he is planning to make his debut as a conductor in Vienna in December of this year.

At this special concert, Mr. Tanda will be in charge of conducting and playing the piano! A delicate yet intense piano melody reverberated through the main hall of Suntory Hall, and then he suddenly stood up and took command... Not only was it my first time to see Mr. Tanda perform live, but I was also able to see him as a conductor, and I was very impressed. My emotions were shaken. Anyway, it's cool. The program is ``Chopin Piano Concerto No. 1 in E minor, Op. 11'' and the aforementioned ``Brahms Symphony No. 1 in C minor, Op. 68''. The two hours passed by so quickly and it was like a dream.

Of course I wasn't allowed to take pictures during the performance, so this is from the pamphlet. During the break time, Hibiki's sparkling style was served, and we were able to enjoy the gorgeous flavor and harmony. I think I'll be addicted to not only whiskey but also classics.

See you next time!