Embassy in Tokyo Celebrates Belgian Presidency with Musical Highlight
The Belgian Presidency of the Council of the European Union is not restricted to Europe itself. On 4 November, 120 guests were invited to enjoy a magnificent concert performance by the Brussels String Quartet. Among the guests was Her Imperial Highness Empress Michiko. The theme of the concert was the Belgian Presidency.
After his introductory speech the Belgian Ambassador in Tokyo, John Maricou, and the 120 guests were treated to a concert by the renowned Brussels String Quartet: Philippe Koch, Tony Nys and Tomiko Shida on violin and Luc Dewez on cello.
Philippe Koch is also the first concert master for the Luxembourg Philharmonic Orchestra and, like Tomiko Shida, studied with the world-famous Belgian violinist Arthur Grumiaux.
The quartet played works by composers including Debussy, Schubert and Shostakovich.
After the masterly performance, the guests were treated to a buffet. The Empress mingled with the guests for a short while, after an intimate dinner with the musicians and the ambassador.
As a Japanese who has been living in Belgium for many years, for violinist Tomiko Shida this was like coming home a little. She is still very good friends with the Empress.
Two days before, the embassy had already been the setting for a concert. The Japanese pianist Takashi Sato – one of the finalists in the Queen Elisabeth Music Competition earlier this year – gave a recital for about 80 guests, including some twenty Belgian Donors of the competition and representatives from the world of classical music in Tokyo, including Mrs Kazuko Shiomi, President of the Nippon Music Foundation.
Although the Belgian Presidency of the Council of the European Union may seem an entirely European affair, Belgian diplomats are working hard to ensure that our country is spotlighted in other parts of the world too.
(Ambassy photos: © NOAN)