Tokyo ― TOYOTA MOTOR CORPORATION (TMC) is proud to present to classical music fans throughout Asia the artistic talent of the Brno Philharmonic Orchestra, as a part of this year’s Toyota Classics - A World of Harmony. In 2004, TMC celebrates the 15th year of the Toyota Classics since its inception in 1990.
This year, from October 30th to November 10th, the Toyota Classics will visit 6 cities throughout Asia: Singapore, Taipei, Ho Chi Minh City, Seoul, Hong Kong and Manila. Conducted in cooperation with Toyota distributors in Asia, the tour will contribute to musical culture by bringing classical music to the people in Asia. Proceeds from each concert will be donated to local charities.
TMC is committed to contributing to a prosperous society through “Monozukuri - manufacturing of value-added products” and “technological innovation”. Respect for the culture and customs of the nations in which TMC operates, as well as determination to contribute to economic and social development through corporate activities conducted in each region have also been a part of the company’s guiding principles since its founding. The Toyota Classics reflects these principles and the company’s desire to be a model corporate citizen.
The full Brno Philharmonic Orchestra of the Czech Republic, which the Toyota Classics welcomes in 2004, will celebrate “Czech Music Year” marking the centennial of the passing of Czechoslovakia’s premier composer, Antonín Dvorák, under the baton of Leoš Svárovský. Also, rising young cellist Johannes Moser will offer the inimitable elegance of Dvorák’s Cello Concerto.
Classical melodies to be performed during the tour will focus primarily on pieces written by Czech composers, such as Dvorák’s Symphony No. 9 in E minor, Op.95 “From the New World”. Moreover, the orchestra will perform pieces with local artists in some countries to encourage international exchange through music.
An outline of the concert and selected profiles can be found on the following pages.
Brno Philharmonic Orchestra
Now in its 48th season, the Brno Philharmonic Orchestra carries on a great orchestral tradition established by the young Leoš Janácek. With 115 musicians, the Brno Phil is one of central Europe’s largest orchestras. Many excellent conductors have contributed to its artistic tradition. The orchestra has hosted some of the world’s greats, from the legendary Charles Munch to Yehudi Menuhin. The Brno Phil travels abroad approximately seven times a year. It has toured most European countries, the USA, Japan and South Korea. In addition to the Prague Spring and Moravian Autumn festivals in the Czech Republic, it is a regular guest at international festivals in Berlin and Innsbruck, among others. One of its most treasured performances was the concert performed at the Vatican in 2000 as the Czech Republic’s gift to the Holy Father during the Great Jubilee celebrations. Petr Altrichter, the former chief conductor of the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic, became principal conductor of the Brno Philharmonic Orchestra at the beginning of 2002.
Johannes Moser, Cello
In June 2002, Johannes Moser came to international attention when he won the Silver Medal at the 12th International Tchaikovsky Competition. He was also awarded the special prize for his interpretation of the Rococo Variations. As a soloist, Johannes Moser regularly appears at many prestigious national and international venues, and, in March 2005, he will make his debut with the Chicago Symphony Orchestra under Pierre Boulez. Johannes has appeared at many international festivals. He has toured Korea and Japan, giving recitals and concerts with orchestras in Seoul, Tokyo, Osaka and Kyoto. Born in Munich in 1979 into a musical family, Johannes Moser has been studying the cello since the age of eight and became a student of Prof. David Geringas in 1997. He won first prize in the 2000 Davidoff Competition in Riga and the 2001 Mendelssohn Competition in Berlin, as well as being awarded the 2003 Bavarian Kunstförderpreis. He is also the recipient of scholarships from the Ritter Foundation and the prestigious Studienstiftung des Deutschen Volkes.
