Sat 8.6

Symphonic Poem: Natsu (Summer)

SHUKO MIZUNO (b. 1934)

Clearly, Shuko Mizuno's body of work over the last fifty years signifies him as one of Japan's greatest 20th-century composers. His work reflects an impressive ability to move freely among genres. For example, Mizuno wrote an opera in the 70s, one in the 80s, and another in the 90s. While he tackled the complexities of opera, he also created electronic improvisations, orchestral symphonies, cultural and school songs, and music for television and radio. His production likewise reveals his evolution as a composer. His orchestral and instrumental pieces cross every decade, but his jazz and electronic improvisations are concentrated in the 60s and 70s. The 80s pieces focus on choral work and percussion ensemble pieces, and the 90s included writing music for the TV production of the Academy Award Winner "On Golden Pond." His discography list includes over 100 separate works. Mizuno began his musical studies in 1958 at Tokyo University of Fine Arts and Music where he developed pivotal relationships with fellow students Yasunao Tone and Takehisa Kosugi, which culminated in groundbreaking musical experimentation. Mizuno and Kosugi spent numerous hours improvising on violin and cello. When Tone joined them on the saxophone, the avant-garde musical collaboration Group Ongaku was born. Other improvisational contemporaries, including female singer and pianist Chieko Shiomi, rounded out Group Ongaku. Their willingness to push the boundaries of Japanese musical composition led to their place in musical history as "essential to the fabric" of mid-20th century Japanese music, according to Japanese music archivist Julian Cope. Mizuno's most recent work includes a musical for children and several symphonies, two diverse musical styles, and further testament to his versatile compositional talent. His proclivity for improvisational experimentation has earned him multiple commissions from the Japan Opera Foundation. The Tokyo Symphony Orchestra regularly performs his instrumental works at their concerts. Mizuno is considered integral to Japan’s contribution to improvisational music and is a member of the Japan Federation of Composers, Inc. On August 6, Festival audiences have the opportunity to join Shiku Mizuno when Marin Alsop and the Cabrillo Festival Orchestra perform the U.S. premiere of his Kokyoshi “Natsu,” Symphonic Poem “Summer.”

www.shukomizuno.net