Onsen Chamber Ensemble

In 1999, violinist Kenichi Mizo agreed with a plan proposed by music enthusiast Yasumasa Yamazaki and conceived the idea of establishing the group.
In July 2000, the first performance was held in Koumi Town, Nagano Prefecture. Since then, the group has held three regular performances (in Koumi, Tokyo, and Matsumoto) every year for the past 23 years, with the aim of encouraging each player to face the music as an ensemble.
The ensemble currently has about 50 members who come from all over the world, including professional and amateur musicians. The group has performed about 70 pieces, ranging from duets to orchestral works.
In particular, the group has been actively developing its repertoire as a two-orchestra without a conductor since its 20th anniversary concert in Tokyo in 2007, starting with Beethoven's Symphony No. 5 "Destiny" and continuing with Mozart's Symphony No. 41 "Jupiter," Brahms' Symphony No. 4, Shostakovich's Symphony No. 5 "The Last Supper," and others. The group also performed Dvorak's Cello Concerto with Miraiko Mimori as soloist, Takashi Yoshimatsu's Piano Concerto "Cepheus Note" for left hand with Izumi Tateno, Bruch's Violin Concerto with Atsuko Amma, and the Dvořák Concerto for cello and orchestra with Izumi Tateno. The orchestra has been well received for its diverse programs and energetic performances, including Bruch: Violin Concerto with Izumi Tateno, Bruch: Piano Concerto No. 1 with Atsuko Amma, and Beethoven: Piano Concerto No. 1 with pianist Kayoko Iwanami, who is also a member of the orchestra.