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- Pre-concert remarks delivered by Clive Gillinson from lectern stage right:
"Good evening and welcome. I'm Clive Gillinson the Executive and Artistic Director of Carnegie Hall. On behalf of JapanNYC artistic director Seiji Ozawa, everyone at Carnegie Hall, and all of our festival partners, we would like to acknowledge the recent tragedies that have deeply affected the countries of tonight's performers: the February earthquake in Dame Kiri Te Kanawa's native New Zealand and, of course, the earthquake and tsunami that struck the NHK Symphony Orchestra's native Japan.
While our JapanNYC festival moves forward, we offer our thoughts and prayers to all those affected. We believe at this incredibly difficult time that is particularly important to pay tribute to Japan, its people, and its remarkable culture.
Before we begin the concert, Maestro Previn and the orchestra will play the Air from Bach's Third Orchestral Suite as a tribute to the people of Japan. Following the Bach, Mr. Nojima, NHK's Chairman, would like to address the audience." (Gillinson exits; NHK Strings enter followed by Maestro Previn; performance of Bach Air on a G String)
Mr. Nojima and translator enter and Mr. Nojima speaks from the lectern (translation):
"On behalf of all our members, I would like to thank you so much for your support. We are all deeply touched by your warm thoughts and prayers.
We left Narita airport in Tokyo just 20 hrs after the first earthquake hit.
While circumstances are difficult right now, we hope for better days to come and believe that through music we can help to heal hearts and relieve sadness and pain. Tonight, we perform for you, in appreciation of your kindness."
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