-The Producer Series: Irvin Arditti

This series highlights contemporary music from the unique perspective of the annual producer, introducing works to the audience. In 2024, we invite Irvin Arditti, founder of the legendary Arditti String Quartet celebrating its 50th anniversary, as the producer. The program spans four performances and includes three new commissioned works that trace the 50-year journey of the Arditti String Quartet. It is evident that their pioneering performances have significantly influenced the creation of numerous string quartet works in contemporary music. These concerts establish them as a “legend” and a leading quartet propelling into the future.

-Suntory Hall International Program for Music Composition No. 46 (Artistic Director: Toshio Hosokawa)
Theme Composer: Philippe Manoury

In this series, which commissions works from leading international composers, we feature Philippe Manoury, a driving force in the French contemporary music scene. The program includes orchestral works, chamber music, and composition workshops where young Japanese composers receive valuable guidance. It successfully embodied the lineage of French music connecting Debussy to Manoury and the next generation. The series fostered a space for musical and personal exchanges with the composer through large-scale orchestral works, collaboration with Japanese musicians, and composition workshops, extending beyond mere concerts.

-34th Yasushi Akutagawa Suntory Award for Music Composition

Despite challenges in the open jury format, the Yasushi Akutagawa Suntory Award for Music Composition remains a valuable event in competitions for composers and works, accompanied by live performances. The “General Election,” where the audience votes through a survey, alongside the official results chosen by the selection committee, is becoming established. This allows the audience to participate and support, making the competition more interactive. For the finalist composers, it becomes a “communication competition,” offering direct feedback on how their works are perceived.