The Musical Side of Kanazawa City
Kanazawa may be well known as a city of arts and crafts, but lesser known are its many musical events and attractions. Whether you enjoy traditional Japanese or western style music, Kanazawa has something for every musical taste.
Kanazawa Phonograph Museum
This museum houses a collection of phonograph records and players that was started by a local record shop owner. Over time, donations to the museum grew the collection to over 40,000 records and over 600 phonograph players. Visitors can also watch and listen to historical phonographs being played during demonstrations that are scheduled three times per day. Please read our full article for more information.
Kanazawa Music Events
Kanazawa City hosts a variety of live music events throughout the year at indoor and outdoor locations around the city.
Classical musicians from all over the world come to Kanazawa to perform in the Gargan Music Festival each Spring. Some of the world’s top classical music artists gather to perform many first-class concerts, collaborations with traditional performing arts, and large-scale concerts with Kanazawa citizens participating.
For those who enjoy A cappella music, Kanazawa A cappella Town takes place in the summer, with free concerts by A cappella groups from all over Japan held at different locations around the city center.
If Jazz is more your style, Kanazawa Jazz Street takes over the city during a period in September, with Jazz artists from Japan and from overseas, professional and amateurs alike. “Jazz Street Live” concerts are held in plazas and parks around central Kanazawa, bringing this upbeat style of music to venues all over the city.
Traditional Japanese Musical Performances
Traditional music and performances have been enjoyed in Kanazawa for centuries, as the Kaga Domain lords greatly enjoyed and encouraged the performing arts. Noh is the world’s oldest theater art still being performed today and has been recognized as a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage. Noh tells a story through dance-like movements and musical accompaniment by flutes, drums, and chanting. Kanazawa’s Evening Noh Theater performances can be enjoyed at a special price for those who wish to experience this unique musical form at the Ishikawa Prefectural Noh Theater near Kenrokuen Garden.
For a musical buffet of traditional Japanese music, attend the one-hour performance of the Art and Culture Night Theater. This event consists of several short demonstrations of traditional arts and culture of Kanazawa City and Ishikawa Prefecture, including musical performances, dance, and flower arrangement demonstrations. The event takes place at the Kanazawa Central Tourist Information Center located conveniently near the city center.
Ishikawa Ongakudo Concert Hall
The Ishikawa Ongakudo Concert Hall hosts artistic performances of all types, both traditional Japanese and Western. The concert hall’s elegant atmosphere and fantastic acoustics make it a perfect location to catch a live musical performance. Home to the Orchestra Ensemble Kanazawa throughout the year, it is also used for other musical events. From International piano competitions to high school brass band concerts, there is an eclectic mix of musical performances at the concert hall that is constantly changing. Check the schedule on the venue’s website and you may even find some free events to enjoy during your visit to Kanazawa!
As you can see, Kanazawa is not just a city of arts and crafts, but also a city that promotes and enjoys performing arts such as music. With musical events happening year-round, you’ll have no problem finding an event to enjoy no matter when you choose to visit our city. Come to Kanazawa and discover something that moves you!
