Osaka University of Arts Dream Wind Orchestra 2026 Performance Video Released on June 5 (Fri)!

Osaka University of Arts (Location: Kanan-cho, Minamikawachi-gun, Osaka Prefecture; President: Kunihiko Tsukamoto) has released performance videos of the four pieces designated as required repertoire for the 2026 All Japan Band Competition, performed at "Osaka University of Arts Dream Wind Orchestra 2026" held on May 27, 2026 (Wed) at The Symphony Hall, on YouTube starting June 5 (Fri).

This is the fourth year for the "Osaka University of Arts Dream Wind Orchestra," a special one-night-only ensemble formed by approximately 60 professional musicians active primarily in the Kansai region, coming together beyond the boundaries of their respective orchestras and ensembles. Performers who usually work in different fields, such as orchestral musicians, band members, and soloists, gather in one place to deliver a unique sound that can only be heard here.

This year's program featured the world premiere of "Snail's Dream," composed by Visiting Professor Itaru Sakai, as well as the required repertoire for the 2026 All Japan Band Competition, showcasing a diverse range of musical pieces. On the day of the event, junior and senior high school students belonging to brass bands from various parts of Kansai attended, and the packed venue was enveloped by the powerful performances of the professional musicians. For the attending students, this one night of experiencing authentic musical tones live served as an opportunity to inspire future musicians.

The videos released on YouTube feature the four pieces from the 2026 All Japan Band Competition required repertoire I to IV, which were performed on the day. With the release of these videos, performances that could previously only be heard at the venue are now accessible to brass band members, instructors, and music fans nationwide. Please enjoy the performance by this special one-night-only ensemble on YouTube.

Required Piece Videos

・2026 All Japan Band Competition Required Piece I: Yuugure no Oka (Hill of Evening Glow)

https://youtu.be/OrlPbXef06A

・2026 All Japan Band Competition Required Piece II: The Guards

https://youtu.be/ONe9jMN2_AI

・2026 All Japan Band Competition Required Piece III: Atsumare! Toy's March! (Gather! Toy's March!)

https://youtu.be/aNnZDXn9gwk

・2026 All Japan Band Competition Required Piece IV: Finale for Wind Instruments

https://youtu.be/x6Hau8OcbSU

Scenes from the Day

Pre-performance scene bustling with brass band members

Conducting by Professor Hiroaki Shiomi and performance by star musicians

Conducting by Professor Itaru Sakai

Conducting by Professor Toshiyuki Ise

Post-finale scene filled with excitement

Musicians after the performance

Details: https://www.osaka-geidai.ac.jp/topics/dwo_2026_topics

Comments from Participating Instructors

Composer / Visiting Professor, Department of Performance

Itaru Sakai (Composition/Conducting)

The starting point for this year's new work, "Snail's Dream," was the desire to share more about the charm of the French horn. I myself was inspired by the beautiful ensemble of the horn section in the "Dream Wind Orchestra," and I wanted to convey the rich low tones and true value of the French horn to everyone. If any of you find a teacher here whom you intuitively admire, thinking "I like this teacher's sound" or "I want to study music with this person," I hope you will knock on the door of learning. I wish for this to be an irreplaceable place where students can encounter sounds and mentors that become lifelong goals. (Excerpt)

Tuba Player, Osaka Symphony Orchestra / Lecturer, Department of Performance

Hiroaki Shiomi

The two pieces I conducted this time were selected in consultation with Mr. Koichi Honda, the production supervisor. "Sedona," which is familiar to junior and senior high school students, and "The Sun Also Rises," which carries a prayer for earthquake reconstruction. I believed both were works that young people should listen to now. While professional concerts often proceed with a cool demeanor, in this concert, everyone genuinely enjoys the music, sometimes leading to fist pumps on stage or exchanged handshakes. If our passionate performances, as former students ourselves, can provide even a little bit of future dreams or motivation for tomorrow's practice, there would be no greater joy for us. (Excerpt)

Trumpet Player, Osaka Philharmonic Orchestra / Lecturer, Department of Performance

Takashi Shinozaki

"Summon the Heroes" by John Williams, which I performed as a soloist, is a masterpiece that all trumpet players aspire to, dedicated to the world-renowned trumpeter Tim Morrison. I hope that this concert will be an opportunity for many to experience more live performances and feel the joy and emotion of music itself. While continuing in music, you may encounter obstacles, but by increasing your knowledge, attending concerts, and accumulating experience through practice, you will surely move forward. Osaka University of Arts offers excellent faculty with great passion and a wonderful environment where students can concentrate on music and strive together with their peers. I look forward to meeting you all in this passionate setting. (Excerpt)

Clarinet Player, Osaka Philharmonic Orchestra / Lecturer, Department of Performance

Kei Funakuma

I have participated every year since its premiere, but this time I was entrusted with the important role of concertmaster, and I approached it with a sense of solemnity. Everyone gathered here is an outstanding musician. I valued maintaining an atmosphere where everyone could play comfortably, with mutual respect. The shortcut to playing the ideal sound is how wonderful an image of sound you can hold in your mind. In an era where sound sources are easily accessible, the real experience of what you feel from live sound becomes crucial. I hope that while you are young, you will take full advantage of privileges like affordable student seats to listen to many authentic performances and experience firsthand the pure joy of moments when human sounds overlap. (Excerpt)

Horn Player, Osaka Philharmonic Orchestra / Lecturer, Department of Performance

Takashi Shinozaki

"Dream Wind Orchestra" has become a "place I return to every year" for me. The resonance that can only be produced here is a precious piece of my sonic palette. I myself was once driven by admiration for various professional musicians. That is why I hope to show, on this stage, an answer that the junior and senior high school students can aspire to, thinking "I want to produce this kind of sound." If I were to give one tip for improvement, it would be to first cherish your instrument. Then, accept the sound you produce now and enjoy the process of getting closer to a good sound. I would be happy if you could experience with all your senses the beauty of a live stage, including the unique difficulties of the French horn that sometimes cause cold sweats. (Excerpt)

Program

Part 1: S. Reinecke / Sedona

P. Sparke / The Sun Also Rises

Itaru Sakai / Commissioned Work (World Premiere)

<Conductor / Itaru Sakai>

Part 2: <2026 All Japan Band Competition Required Pieces>

Shiki Moriyama / Yuugure no Oka (Hill of Evening Glow)

Shion Ito / Atsumare! Toy's March! (Gather! Toy's March!)

Yasuhide Ito / Finale for Wind Instruments

Takashi Hoshide / The Guards

J. Williams / Summon the Heroes (Tp. Solo Takashi Shinozaki)

P. Sparke / The Year of the Dragon (2017 Version)

<Conductor / Toshiyuki Ise>

"Osaka University of Arts Dream Wind Orchestra 2026 Overview"

【Date】 May 27, 2026 (Wed) Performance starts at 19:00 [Doors open at 18:00]

【Venue】 The Symphony Hall

【Admission Fee】 \3,500 (tax included) (Free for junior high school students and younger)

【Production Supervisor】 Koichi Honda

【Conductors】 Hiroaki Shiomi, Itaru Sakai, Toshiyuki Ise

【Organizer】 Tsukamoto Gakuen Osaka University of Arts

【Sponsor】 Osaka University of Arts Kyoyukai (Alumni Association)

【HP】 https://www.osaka-geidai.ac.jp/topics/dwo_2026_topics