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What is “Seta-on?”
Seta-on, Setagaya Arts Foundation Music Project Department was established in April of 2007 to enable people from all walks of life to enjoy a variety of musical expressions within the Setagaya community. Its activities go by the nickname of “Seta-on.”
Headed by composer, Shinichiro Ikebe as music director, and composer/stage music director, Akira Miyagawa as special producer, our goal is to make the most of the special features of Setagaya contributing to create a lively community. Not having a dedicated music/rehearsal hall of our own, public performances are primarily held at ward facilities such as Setagaya Kumin Kaikan (Civic Hall), Seijo Hall, etc. for a wide range of music projects.
In addition, from 2010, Setagaya ward has begun co-sponsoring the Setagaya Junior Orchestra overseeing their regular performances and autumn concert. They also carry out their duty as Seta-on Goodwill Ambassadors doing exchanges with other junior orchestras.
Read more on Shinichiro Ikebe, music director
Read more on Akira Miyagawa, special producer
Main Performances and Program Series
- Wa, Hana, Shirabe Series
- People today have few opportunities to enjoy Japan’s traditional performing arts, but many of them hold remarkable appeal. This series offers enjoyment of their rich and profound world through accessible staging, allowing audiences to fully appreciate the outstanding artistry of master performers.▶ Wa, Hana, Shirabe Series
- Chamber Music Series
- This is a recommended series of authentic classical concerts performed by musicians active both in Japan and abroad. Immerse yourself in the artistry and virtuosity of these outstanding performers.▶ Chamber Music Series
- Cross-Genre Collaborations
- Music Director Shinichiro Ikebe invites guests active in a wide range of genres to explore the relationship between music and other disciplines. Enjoy engaging talks, along with live performances of music related to each theme. The program is popular not only with music lovers but also with those interested in the guests’ fields of expertise.▶ Cross-Genre Collaborations
- Discovery Setagaya Sounds
- These are live performances by top artists with connections to Setagaya. Rediscover the many unique charms of Setagaya! Don’t miss these vibrant, special performances full of energy and excitement.▶ Discovery Setagaya Sounds
- Machikado & Machinaka Concerts
- Seta-on will bring music to street corners and nearby facilities. Casually enjoy live performances in familiar and accessible local settings. The concerts feature a variety of musical styles, making them ideal even for first-time concertgoers!▶ Machikado Concerts ▶ Machinaka Concerts
- Music Program
- Children’s music workshops offer opportunities to enjoy the world of music from a variety of perspectives different from conventional performances, including events to discover new music.▶ Music Program
- Setagaya Music Research Institute
- This is a hugely popular series in which Akira Miyagawa (Director Akira) reveals the secrets, mysteries, and inner workings of music. His humorous talk, songs, performances, and other entertaining content make each program captivating. His insightful explanations make for a highly satisfying and enjoyable concert experience.▶ Setagaya Music Research Institute
- Music Lounge
- Why not spend a Friday evening immersed in soothing music? The stage is decorated each time with a large bouquet inspired by the performers, along with two large window frames that seem to open onto another world. Escape the bustle of daily life and enjoy a luxurious and relaxing time enveloped in sound. Enjoy a complimentary drink in the lobby.▶ Music Lounge
- School Visits
- Delivering authentic live music to children! Professional musicians visit elementary and junior high schools to give concerts. Enjoy the authentic sound of live performances that recordings and videos simply cannot capture.
- Collaborative Concerts
- These unique concerts are presented in collaboration with partners such as the Setagaya Art Museum, the Setagaya Literary Museum, and neighboring communities. They are often held in connection with related events, attracting a wide range of audiences transcending genres.▶ Collaborative Concerts
Shin-ichiro Ikebe, Music Director
Composer, born in Mito City in 1943
Graduated from Tokyo University of the Arts in 1967.
Finished Graduate School in 1971.
Studied under Tomojiro Ikeuchi, Akio Yashiro, Akira Miyoshi, and Yuzuru Shimaoka.
In 1966, placed 1st in Japan Music Competition.
In the same year, placed 1st in the Composer & Lyricist Competition sponsored by Ongaku no Tomosha.
1968, received Ongaku no Tomosha Award.
Thereafter, won countless awards such as the Salzburg TV Opera Festival Outstanding Award, Italian TV Station Award-3 times, International Emmy Award, Art Festival Outstanding Music Award-4 times, Odaka Award-3 times, Mainichi Film Competition Music Award-3 times, Japan Academy Award Outstanding Music Award-9 times (3 of which were Most Outstanding Music Award).
In 1997, he received NHK Philharmonic Orchestra/Arima Award.
In 2002, Broadcast Culture Award, 2011 Yokohama Culture Award, 2015 Himeji City Art Culture Grand Award, 2016 Akio Watanabe Music Fund Special Award.
Awarded the Medal of Purple Ribbon in 2004, selected as a Person of Cultural Merit in 2018 and awarded the Order of the Rising Sun, 3rd Class, Gold Rays with Neck Ribbon in 2022.
He is currently a professor at Tokyo College of Music, Tokyo Opera City Music Director, Ishikawa Prefecture Music Hall / European Music Director, Setagaya Art Foundation Music Director, and Himeji City Cultural and International Exchange Foundation Art Director, as well as committee member, advisor, councilman, and selection committee judge of music competitions of numerous other cultural organizations .
Since 1996, for 13 years, he has been a popular MC for “NHK Philharmonic Hour” on NHK-TV. Since April of 2015, he has been a commentator for NHK-FM program “NHK Philharmonic/The Legend.”
Original compositions include Symphony No. 1~11, 3 Piano Symphonies, Cello Concerto, Opera “Shinigami” “Miminashi Hoichi” “Rokumeikan” “Koya Hijiri” as well as numerous orchestra music, chamber music, and choral music.”
Movie soundtracks include Kagemusha” “Narayama Bushiko” “Unagi” “Setouchi Shonen Yakyu” “Spy Zolge” “Garden of Balto” “Kengaku Tennoki” and “Haruo Seotte”
TV soundtracks include “Hachidai Shogun Yoshimune”” Genroku Ryoran”. Movie, drama soundtracks and theater music total nearly 520 pieces.
Books include “Otonoii Nokoshitamono” “Splash” “Sorawo Mitemasuka 1~7” “Bach’s Musical Notes” “Mozart’s Musical Notes” “Brahms Musical Notes” “Shubert’s Musical Notes” “Beethoven’s Musical Notes.”
Akira Miyagawa, Special Producer
Composer, born in Tokyo in 1961
He made his debut composing music for Shiki Theatre Company and Tokyo Disneyland shows, among others. He went on to compose music for numerous musicals and plays. His representative works include Shintokumaru (Excellence Award of the Yomiuri Theater Awards), Miracle (Best Musical Award of the Tokyo Metropolitan Theater), Hamlet (Excellence Award of the Yomiuri Theater Awards), Tempo Juninen no Shakespeare (Excellence Award of the Yomiuri Theater Awards), One Man’s Dream, and Dorothy – The Wonderful Wizard of Oz. Moreover, Matsuken Samba he composed for a show became hugely popular, resulting in a hit song that originated from the stage.
He produced music for and also appeared in NHK E-tele’s Quintet, Do Re Mi Fa Wonderland for BS2, and Showtime by Akira Miyagawa for BS Premium. He has written music extensively for the animes, Hoshi no Kirby and Space Battleship Yamato 2199/2202 , as well as for NHK’s Thursday Theater, Chikaemon, NHK TV Series, Hiyokko , special feature drama, Idol, the opening theme song for the 68th Kohaku Utagassen, and orchestral music in Kaze no Olivastro and Symphonic Mambo No. 5 . Based on his motto, “Concerts are shows,” he engages actively in performing in various regions.
In 2022, he published a collection of essays, “Akira-san” Is a Genius Who Enjoys Music (NHK Publishing, Inc. ).
Setagaya Junior Orchestra
‘Orchestra Instrument Experience Workshop’ was proposed by Ikebe Music Director, (the first in 2008 for 7 mos. followed by the second in 2009 for 3 mos.) and in April of 2010, ‘Junior Orchestra’ officially became active.
In a small society such as an ‘orchestra’, what is important is not just the improvement in skills of individual member. Through music, Setagaya Junior Orchestra cultivates each member’s aesthetic sentiments and cooperation, with its primary goal to nurture humanistic sensitivity and social harmony.
Members are comprised of elementary school children from 3rd grade up to seniors in high school who reside in the Setagaya ward. With an extensive age range and personality, the members enthusiastically enjoy the challenge of practicing with each other.
Photo: Yoshiaki Suzuki
Setagaya Junior Orchestra website
