Kirishima International Music Festival was founded under the name of “Kirishima International Music Festival/ Master courses” in 1980.
The outset of the festival was an approach made in 1975 by an educator of Kagoshima to Mr. Gerhard Bosse, first concertmaster of Gewandhaus Orchestra of that time, who was staying in Japan, to hold a master course. The purpose was “to provide students who wish but cannot study abroad with an opportunity to study with and listen to first classed musicians”. The spa resort adjoining a national park, Kirishima highlands were chosen for the festival site, and the philosophy was “to nurture musicians who are independent technically and personally”.
Since the launch of the festival, it has been rooted as tradition that the students who studied at the festival for a few years return to the festival to teach when they have grown to active musicians. Neither admiration-lead nor originated with building of a theatre, the festival which began by citizen’s contribution and musician’s enthusiasm have steadily grown even through the long recession. It was the philosophy of Mr. Bosse “Growth for the whole man supports a musician”and “appreciation of the musicians to the festival which nurtured them”which have supported the growth.
Today, Kirishima International Music Festival enjoys reputation as one of the most important festivals in Asia, for its excellent performance quality, admission-free concerts for expanding audience, and high standard of the increasing students from Japan and abroad.
Last year , Kirishima International Music Festival celebrated the 30th festival. The festival will be known more widely, throughout Japan, Asia and the world. Further development of the festival is anticipated along with reviewing the accumulation of the history.
(From official site)
