Opera and Art Song Performances in Celebration of an Italian Festival
On September 25, we had the pleasure of presenting a mini concert of opera arias and Italian canzoni at the Italian Fair held at Aeon Mall Shijōnawate.
As the client’s request was to highlight an authentic Italian atmosphere throughout the event, the program featured well-known Italian classics such as “Libiamo ne’ lieti calici (Brindisi)”, “Santa Lucia,” and “Time to Say Goodbye,” ensuring familiarity and enjoyment for a wide audience. Between musical selections, we also included short introductions to the Italian language and engaging anecdotes about various Italian cities. In addition, at the client’s request, we incorporated promotional commentary on products showcased at the Italian Fair. We were delighted to hear that this approach contributed to increased product sales.
As the venue was located within a shopping mall, the audience was naturally fluid. Nevertheless, many shoppers paused to listen, and we were pleased to see listeners enjoying the performance not only from the main floor but also from the second and third levels. Some audience members even stayed for the entire program from beginning to end, which was especially rewarding.
Performing in such a public space reaffirmed for me that, beyond technical skill, creating an inviting and engaging atmosphere is essential. I hope to continue refining this aspect of my performance in future engagements.
Akane Tanaka
