Chicago Honors Akira Ifukube’s 110th With Special Piano Concert

Akira Ifukube turns 110 this year!

With celebrations held all over Japan, there was definitely some question in the air as to whether or not we’d see some US-based activity to commemorate. Thankfully, The Japan America Society of Chicago, alongside members of our community such as John DeSentis & akiraifukube.org webmaster Erik Homenick, are here to answer the call.

On September 14, the legendary composer will be honored at the Nichols Concert Hall with multiple piano arrangements honoring not only his well-known and universally beloved kaiju eiga soundtrack work, but Ifukube-san’s masterful career in instrumental music and suite composition as well. Mostly performed by piano, appreciators of instrumental music will have the chance to listen to some beautiful music, featuring performers such as Reiko Yamada, a former pupil of Ifukube’s, and pianist Patrick Gordon.

Tickets are now available here.

Concert Program

Two movements from Piano Suite (1933): “Bon Odori” and “Tanabata”

Ritmica Ostinata for Piano and Orchestra (1961) (Arranged for two pianos by Akira Ifukube)

-Intermission-

Two movements from Rhythmic Games for Children (1949): “Sports Day March” and “A Jolly
School” (Arranged for solo piano by Hirohiko Nagase and Reiko Yamada)

Music from Godzilla (1954): “Prayer for Peace” (“Heiwa no inori”) and “Godzilla on the Ocean
Floor” (Arranged for solo piano by John DeSentis)

Excerpts from Symphonic Fantasia no. 2 (1983): “Sacred Fountain” from Mothra vs. Godzilla
(1964) and “Main Titles” from Varan the Unbelievable (1958) (Arranged for two pianos by
Satoshi Imai, Ifukube’s pupil)

Excerpts from Symphonic Fantasia no. 3 (1983): “Mechanikong’s Theme” and “Beauty and the
Beast” from King Kong Escapes (1967) (Arranged for two pianos by Satoshi Imai)

Symphonic Fantasia no. 1 (1983): (Arranged for two pianos by Motoji Yssimal, Ifukube’s pupil)

Event Info

Venue
Nichols Concert Hall 1490 Chicago Avenue
Evanston, IL 60201 United States

Tickets
$20 General Admission
$15 Discounted Admission (Senior/Student & Children 12 and under)

Performers
Reiko Yamada and Patrick Godon

Master of Ceremonies
Erik Homenick, PhD