It was revealed on October 24th that Goro Inagaki will be hosting the "Tokyu Silvester Concert 2025-2026," which will be broadcast on TV Tokyo at 11:30 PM on New Year's Eve, December 31st. Inagaki, who has a deep knowledge of classical music, expressed his joy, saying, "I am truly honored as a classical music lover to have been asked to appear on such a historic program," and added, "I am excited about the rare experience of being able to welcome the New Year with the audience."
The Tokyu Silvester Concert, a New Year's Eve tradition, is celebrating its 31st year this year. The countdown will be dramatically colored by the final moments of 2025 with Maurice Ravel's masterpiece "Bolero," which marks the 150th anniversary of his birth this year.
The conductor will be Nodoka Okisawa, marking the first time a woman has conducted the countdown song. Guest performers include violinist Yasuko Otani, who is celebrating her 50th anniversary since her debut, international pianist Seiya Kamei, who won fifth place at the Queen Elisabeth International Music Competition, and Yuya Mizuno, the first Asian to win the Prague Spring International Music Competition.
The performance will be by the Tokyo Philharmonic Orchestra, the Orchard Hall franchise orchestra, which boasts the longest history and tradition in Japan.
Comments from guests and other related parties are as follows:
◇Comment from Nodoka Okisawa (conductor)
This year's countdown will be graced by Maurice Ravel's "Boléro." From its breathless opening rhythm to its climactic conclusion, the piece will be performed by a grand orchestra for approximately 15 minutes. Captivating the audience with its rhythm, this piece truly allows listeners to lose track of time and become immersed in the music, creating an excitement befitting New Year's Eve. As the piece progresses, the full potential of each instrument is brought out, allowing viewers to enjoy the changes in tone and color resulting from Ravel's unique, innovative orchestration. We sincerely hope that we can join together to create this moving and exciting moment that can only be experienced at the Tokyu New Year's Eve Concert.
◇Comment from Yasuko Otani (violin)
For 50 years since my debut, I have continued my musical career with the belief that "I want to bring happiness to everyone through music." I am very pleased to be able to perform at the New Year's Eve Concert in 2025, which marks such a milestone. I hope that all those who attend the New Year's Eve concert will truly feel that music is wonderful. I look forward to sharing the wonderful music left behind by the composer and celebrating a happy New Year's Eve together with everyone.
◇Comment from Seiya Kamei (piano)
I am truly happy to be able to perform on the New Year's Eve stage, something I have longed to do for many years. The piece I will be performing is Saint-Saëns' Piano Concerto No. 5, 3rd Movement, a joyful piece befitting this special occasion. I hope everyone will experience with their whole body the special atmosphere that can only be experienced through a live broadcast, and the passionate music in the venue. Let's celebrate New Year's Eve together with a wonderful, festival-like concert to close out the year!
◇Comment from Yuya Mizuno (cello)
I am still filled with surprise and excitement at being able to perform at the New Year's Eve Concert. I would be extremely happy if my performance on this special occasion helps many people discover and learn more about the charm of the cello. I hope that everyone will enjoy the concert to the fullest, reflecting on the past year through music and preparing for a wonderful new year.
◇Comment from Goro Inagaki (host)
As a classical music lover, I am truly honored to have been invited to participate in such a historic program. I am excited about the rare opportunity to celebrate New Year's Eve with the audience. Whether it's at the theater, on TV, or as a live viewing at a movie theater, let's create a wonderful moment together.
◇Comment from program director Koyo Senda (TV Tokyo Production Department)
This will be the first time in 10 years that "Bolero" will be used for the countdown! The 15-minute repeated melody is difficult to time, making it one of the most challenging pieces for New Year's Eve. Conducting the piece will be Okisawa Nodoka, the first female conductor in the concert's 30-year history! With a stellar cast, we hope to bring you a dramatic New Year's Eve celebration. Furthermore, Goro Inagaki, a lover of classical music, will be appearing for the first time as MC! Look forward to this New Year's Eve concert, which is still full of firsts.
