Chris, my new cowoker here in Kawagoe, has a cousin who plays basoon and contra basoon in the Israel Philharmonic Orchestra. They were in Tokyo for a couple shows. Turns out Chris's cousin is one of the nicest people I've met. She invited us down to Roppongi* to come hear them play! You know I'm down for this, it was a trip!
*Yes, I have a boycott on Roppongi, but just the club/bar/prostitution part of town.
Ok, so it was at Suntory Hall. It's a gorgeous place inside.
We got backstage passes and got to meet a lot of the musicians. A very random lot they were. Beautiful, young violinists sitting next to grisley, old oboe players sitting next to hasidic jewish cymbal crashers. I also got to meet conductor Zubin Metha, who is apparently really famous in the conductor world. I got to learn all about the world of an orchestra member. You think that they are just super talented people who play a couple hours a day while travelling the world, but it's a crazy profession!
The next day we had breakfast at the hotel and I took them to Don Quixote. Don Quixote is this wierd department store in Japan, they are all over the major areas. You go in wanting some new shoes and come out with a maid outfit, $3000 Gucci handbag, Japanese version of monopoly, and a sex toy or two. And of course you can get shoes there too. It's very random. If you ever have the chance, go to the one in Kabukicho in Shinjuku, it's open 24/7 (and full of Yakuza and hostess girls). Right next door to that one is a 24 hour pet store too. Cause girls need new puppies at 3am apparently.
Tomorrow morning, VERY early, I'm off. Can I fit it all on my bike?
Check back in a week to find out!
Hi Brian,
ReplyDeleteI suddnly found your site when I look for regarding "Israel Philharmonic Orchestra". I'm number one friend of the Israel Philharmonic Orchestra and number one fan of Zubin Mehta. I know Carol in person. As you wrote, she is such a nice person. In addition I'm living in Mizuhodai where is close to Kawagoe, your place.I also attended their concerts in Japan, so I really enjoyed reading this. I am so glad to know that you were so excited about this experience. I'm also so excited that I will be in Israel next July to attend seven concerts for the Israel Philharmonic Orchestra. If you need to tell Carol, Please let me know. Naomi
Wow, I wrote this entry over a year ago. Please say hi to Carol if you meet her. Thanks for commenting!
ReplyDelete