A space where performers and audience alike simply enjoy the music together.

Members of "Ensemble Classica," formed by Romano Pucci, former principal flutist of the La Scala Philharmonic Orchestra, were invited from Italy to present a cheerful and comfortable sound, as if transported to an Italian street corner. The performance was met with thunderous applause from the packed audience. That concert was later released as a CD ("Musica Italiana Azzurra" OVCL00458) and continues to captivate many people.

This baritone recital will also feature a collaboration with "Ensemble Classica." Masumitsu Miyamoto, who is organizing the recital, states, "A major characteristic of this concert is the absence of a piano. The mandolin and flute intertwine over the harmony of the guitar, with the voice dancing above them... I believe it's quite an unusual combination. Romano Pucci, the flutist, is a former principal of the La Scala Philharmonic Orchestra and was known as the 'Magical Flutist.' You can enjoy world-class artistry. The guitarist Fabio, who is also responsible for the arrangements, is superb. I asked him to arrange a few Japanese songs, and they were transformed as if they were Italian music, which is quite fascinating."

On the evening of July 19th, let's embrace the dress code: "Azzurro."

Furthermore, Miyamoto says, "Although people might assume they know all the Italian songs in the program, it seems they are not familiar with some of them. They always say, 'Thanks to Mas (my nickname), we've encountered new works. Thank you for cherishing our culture.'"──"I am very happy to be able to enjoy music together with these cheerful Italian gentlemen who never act superior and always remember to be grateful."
"Everyone, please come to the venue and immerse yourselves in 'Azzurro music' with us. And of course, please wear blue!" says Miyamoto.

Ensemble Classica, who will be performing with him, also expressed their enthusiasm: "Our concerts, which began in Italy in 2009 and continue to this day, have been incredibly fruitful experiences, especially our 2011 performance in Japan, 'Musica Italiana Azzurra.' We are honored to reunite and perform again with him, a uniquely refined musician and, to us, a dear friend like a brother. Music's emotional power connects people, and our shared passion and sensibility for music will undoubtedly bridge different cultures."
"Mas's singing of Italian melodies will magically blend with the colors of our performance. We hope to share this experience and deliver a memorable and wonderful concert with many people in Japan."

Masumitsu Miyamoto Baritone Recital
Musica Italiana Azzurra II
Date & Time: Friday, July 19, 2013 | Doors open 6:30 PM, Performance begins 7:00 PM
Venue: Ginza Oji Hall
Admission: ¥5,000
Performers: Masumitsu Miyamoto (Baritone), Romano Pucci (Flute), Fabio Spruzzola (Guitar), Ivano Brambilla (Clarinet/Mandolin)
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MUSICA ITALIANA AZZURRA II <Program>
Scarlatti: "O cessate di piagarmi"
Martini: "Plaisir d'amour"
Bellini: "Malinconia, ninfa gentile," "Bella Nice, che d'amore"
Donizetti: "Io, che son maritata"
Verdi: "In solitaria stanza," "Brindisi"
Puccini: "Ave Maria di Montserrat"
Tosti: "La canzone dell'amore," "Ideale," "Non t'amo più"
Denza: "Funiculì, Funiculà"
Matti: "L'ultima canzone"
Leoncavallo: "Mattinata"
Takemitsu: "Small Sky"