In September 2026, the Min-On Concert Association hosted school concerts in Fukuoka and Kagoshima prefectures featuring the musical duo Viento. Over 600 students in total attended the performances.
Based in Kumamoto, Kyushu, Viento is a veteran duo comprising Banri Yoshikawa, who plays traditional wind instruments such as the quena and ocarina, and synthesizer player Miki Takeguchi.
The concerts featured a diverse program ranging from Viento’s original compositions to familiar television themes and classical masterpieces like Beethoven’s Pathétique. A particular highlight was a rendition of the iconic tango “La Cumparsita,” where a melodica was cleverly used to emulate the distinct sound of a bandoneon. The students listened with bright smiles as they enjoyed the engaging melodies.
A hands-on segment allowed students to try playing rare traditional instruments for the very first time. The venue came alive with a sense of unity as the students joined Viento in an impromptu ensemble performance of the theme from the anime Princess Mononoke.
As the concert drew to a close, Mr. Yoshikawa introduced the quena as a traditional instrument dating back to before the Inca Empire, followed by a moving performance of the renowned Andean folk tune, “El Cóndor Pasa.” The event concluded amidst thunderous applause from the students.
The children shared wonderful feedback after the performances. They expressed their delight at hearing the sounds of such rare instruments and noted how deeply moved they were that just two instruments could convey so many different emotions.
Min-On remains committed to bringing the transformative power of music to children through our school concert programs and other cultural initiatives.
*These activities were made possible through the generous support of our supporting members. We extend our sincere gratitude for their continued encouragement and assistance.
