Glistening and glittering, illuminations here and there draw people out despite the cold weather. As people move around the city, they will also be welcomed by various concerts and performances, including cheerful Christmas songs, solemn masses featuring pipe organs, Beethoven's famous Symphony No. 9 and many more.
Among the many venues around Tokyo, New National Theater, Tokyo in Shibuya Ward is Japan's foremost national center for the performing arts, including opera, ballet, contemporary dance and drama. During the holidays toward the yearend and New Year's, it offers a good opportunity to attend a genuine opera or enjoy a spectacular ballet with loved ones.
"The Nutcracker"
A family friendly Yuletide joy, the classic ballet "The Nutcracker" will return to the stage at the NNTT from Dec. 19 for a holiday run.
The fantastic tale based on the libretto adapted from Hoffmann's "The Nutcracker and the Mouse King" unfolds to Tchaikovsky's beautiful music. While the story varies from production to production, the NNTT version opens with a contemporary urban scene and ends in an unexpected way. Also, there will be a surprise appearance by Santa Claus, a real treat for young children.
Performed by the talented dancers of the National Ballet of Japan, the production will enthrall audiences with its gorgeous sets and costumes.
"The Nutcracker" will take place on Dec. 19, 20, 22, 23, 26 and 27 at the New National Theater, Tokyo, direct access from Hatsudai Station, Keio New Line. Starting time varies. Tickets are between ¥3,240 and ¥12,960 and available at the NNTT Box Office at 03-5352-9999. For more information, visit www.nntt.jac.go.jp/english/
"Falstaff"
The three-act opera "Falstaff" is the last of the 28 operas by Giuseppe Verdi and one of his only two comedies.
Based on Shakespeare's "Merry Wives of Windsor" and "Henry IV," Verdi composed the masterpiece in his final days approaching the age of 80.
The opera tells the story of an old man Falstaff from the vanishing aristocracy who saw the better days in contrast with the rising bourgeois family of Ford.
Verdi's uplifting music gives a vital force to the opera, especially the final fugue "Tutto nel mondo e burla ... Tutti gabbati!" ("Everything in the world is a joke") sung by the whole cast is a magnificent display.
Directed by British master Jonathan Miller and premiered in 2004, the production will be staged for the first time since 2007. Miller's direction focuses on human interactions, creating a vivid image of each character.
The title role will be performed by Georgian baritone George Gagnidze, who will collaborate with international singers and the Tokyo Philharmonic Orchestra under the baton of Yves Abel.
It is a pleasant way to end the year with an opera laughing at life, and perhaps to open the New Year with another must-see, "The Magic Flute" by Mozart.
"Falstaff"will be performed on Dec. 6, 9 and 12 starting at 2 p.m. at the NNTT. Tickets are between ¥4,320 and ¥23,760 and available at the NNTT Box Office at 03-5352-9999. For more information, visit www.nntt.jac.go.jp/english/
Click to enlarge
