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Ryukyu Symphony Orchestra Performs on Kokusai Street

NAHA, Nov 04 (News On Japan) - The sound of classical music echoed along Naha’s Kokusai Street when the Ryukyu Symphony Orchestra held a surprise outdoor performance, drawing loud applause from passersby.

On October 31st, during the lively Halloween celebrations crowded with tourists, musicians dressed in costumes suddenly appeared one after another at the square in front of Tenbusu Naha, instruments in hand.

The surprise concert was organized by the Ryukyu Symphony Orchestra, a professional ensemble active mainly in Okinawa, to announce the relocation of its base from Urasoe City to Tenbusu Naha.

Ryukyu Symphony Orchestra Secretary General Keisuke Nakamura said: "Performing outdoors is rare for us, so we were worried about how well the sound would carry. But the atmosphere turned out to be full of joy, and it was a wonderful experience."

As the music began unexpectedly, pedestrians stopped to listen, captivated by the beautiful harmonies that filled the street, and responded with enthusiastic applause.

Source: 沖縄ニュースOTV

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