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Photos: Japanese orchestra strikes a chord in coronavirus gloom

As coronavirus upends lives and economies around the world, several prestigious orchestras have gone virtual. Among these is the New Japan Philharmonic orchestra, putting a musical twist on the telework trend forced on the world by the pandemic. Their most recent performance had more than 60 musicians ranging from trombonists to violinists and percussionists appear in tiny blocks on screen, recording their parts separately before technology brought them together in joyous harmony.

Updated on: Apr 04, 2020 4:34 PM IST

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Japanese tuba player Kazuhiko Sato, 44, of the New Japan Philharmonic Orchestra records himself in a sound-proof room at home in Tokyo. The members of the New Japan Philharmonic orchestra tuned up for their latest recital-- its more than 60 musicians in an on-screen mosaic showing some performing in their apartments, others playing outside under a bright blue sky. (Charly Triballeau / AFP)

Updated on Apr 04, 2020 4:34 PM

Japanese tuba player Kazuhiko Sato, 44, of the New Japan Philharmonic Orchestra records himself in a sound-proof room at home in Tokyo. The members of the New Japan Philharmonic orchestra tuned up for their latest recital-- its more than 60 musicians in an on-screen mosaic showing some performing in their apartments, others playing outside under a bright blue sky. (Charly Triballeau / AFP)

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Second violinist Sohei Birmann, 35, seen recording himself at home in Tokyo. In scenes familiar to millions working from home globally, one veteran violinist had two toddlers -- apparently his grandchildren -- larking about in the corner. And a trombone player had a pet bird perched next to him as the orchestra belted “Paprika” -- probably Japan’s most popular children’s song. (Charly Triballeau / AFP)

Updated on Apr 04, 2020 4:34 PM

Second violinist Sohei Birmann, 35, seen recording himself at home in Tokyo. In scenes familiar to millions working from home globally, one veteran violinist had two toddlers -- apparently his grandchildren -- larking about in the corner. And a trombone player had a pet bird perched next to him as the orchestra belted “Paprika” -- probably Japan’s most popular children’s song. (Charly Triballeau / AFP)

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The mastermind of the teleworking orchestra, trombonist Hisato Yamaguchi, 45, edits videos of his fellow colleagues playing music at home in Tokyo. “An orchestra like ours creates music together within a group of 80 musicians. Having to stay alone and not be able to come together to play is the most unbearable thing,” he said. (Charly Triballeau / AFP)

Updated on Apr 04, 2020 4:34 PM

The mastermind of the teleworking orchestra, trombonist Hisato Yamaguchi, 45, edits videos of his fellow colleagues playing music at home in Tokyo. “An orchestra like ours creates music together within a group of 80 musicians. Having to stay alone and not be able to come together to play is the most unbearable thing,” he said. (Charly Triballeau / AFP)

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Tuba player Kazuhiko Sato said he was incredulous when the idea of the teleworking orchestra was first floated. “I didn’t think this would work. I felt as if I was being tricked into something,” said Sato, 44. But with all orchestra members stuck at home and concerts cancelled or postponed, this was the only way to make their music heard. (Charly Triballeau / AFP)

Updated on Apr 04, 2020 4:34 PM

Tuba player Kazuhiko Sato said he was incredulous when the idea of the teleworking orchestra was first floated. “I didn’t think this would work. I felt as if I was being tricked into something,” said Sato, 44. But with all orchestra members stuck at home and concerts cancelled or postponed, this was the only way to make their music heard. (Charly Triballeau / AFP)

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Sato confined himself in a soundproof room and filmed on a smartphone his tuba part -- mostly a rhythmical low-pitched “da-da-da”. Second violinist Sohei Birmann, 35, was more bullish about the teleworking trial initially. “We have played together for years and years to create music, so I thought we could do it with no problem,” Birmann told AFP with a smile. (Charly Triballeau / AFP)

Updated on Apr 04, 2020 4:34 PM

Sato confined himself in a soundproof room and filmed on a smartphone his tuba part -- mostly a rhythmical low-pitched “da-da-da”. Second violinist Sohei Birmann, 35, was more bullish about the teleworking trial initially. “We have played together for years and years to create music, so I thought we could do it with no problem,” Birmann told AFP with a smile. (Charly Triballeau / AFP)

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A close-up of the recital being put together by Hisato Yamaguchi.The pandemic has had a huge impact on the entertainment industry with venues from downtown jazz bars to large concert halls shuttered. It has caused Sato to appreciate what the orchestra once had. “I never thought twice about playing for an audience at a concert hall and hearing fellow members playing,” Yamaguchi said. “I now know what a wonderful moment it was.” (AFP)

Updated on Apr 04, 2020 4:34 PM

A close-up of the recital being put together by Hisato Yamaguchi.The pandemic has had a huge impact on the entertainment industry with venues from downtown jazz bars to large concert halls shuttered. It has caused Sato to appreciate what the orchestra once had. “I never thought twice about playing for an audience at a concert hall and hearing fellow members playing,” Yamaguchi said. “I now know what a wonderful moment it was.” (AFP)

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Second violinist Sohei Birmann (in picture) said they learned an important lesson from the teleworking. “I think it’s been a good opportunity to think about how we can reach out to an audience, rather than simply waiting for them to come to our concerts,” he said. (Charly Triballeau / AFP)

Updated on Apr 04, 2020 4:34 PM

Second violinist Sohei Birmann (in picture) said they learned an important lesson from the teleworking. “I think it’s been a good opportunity to think about how we can reach out to an audience, rather than simply waiting for them to come to our concerts,” he said. (Charly Triballeau / AFP)

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Hisato Yamaguchi at work. The French National Orchestra has played Ravel’s “Bolero” in a similar fashion. The Rotterdam Philharmonic Orchestra tried Beethoven’s “Ode to Joy” and the Toronto Symphony Orchestra played Aaron Copland’s “Appalachian Spring.” As the coronavirus spreads in Japan, there appears that Prime Minister Shinzo Abe will declare a state of emergency, paving the way for greater restrictions on movement. (Charly Triballeau / AFP)

Updated on Apr 04, 2020 4:34 PM

Hisato Yamaguchi at work. The French National Orchestra has played Ravel’s “Bolero” in a similar fashion. The Rotterdam Philharmonic Orchestra tried Beethoven’s “Ode to Joy” and the Toronto Symphony Orchestra played Aaron Copland’s “Appalachian Spring.” As the coronavirus spreads in Japan, there appears that Prime Minister Shinzo Abe will declare a state of emergency, paving the way for greater restrictions on movement. (Charly Triballeau / AFP)

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Trombonist Yamaguchi said although he often feels music is helpless during a crisis like this, he will stick to doing what he loves. “We can communicate with anybody in the world through music. We don’t need words. Music gives us great encouragement. There will be a time soon when people will need us again,” he said. (Charly Triballeau / AFP)

Updated on Apr 04, 2020 4:34 PM

Trombonist Yamaguchi said although he often feels music is helpless during a crisis like this, he will stick to doing what he loves. “We can communicate with anybody in the world through music. We don’t need words. Music gives us great encouragement. There will be a time soon when people will need us again,” he said. (Charly Triballeau / AFP)

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