The Australian Chamber Orchestra showcases ‘Creative Australia’ in Niseko Japan
Austrade media release
18 January 2010
A festival of performances by the internationally renowned Australian Chamber Orchestra in the resort town of Niseko has provided the platform for the Japanese launch of ‘Creative Australia’. Creative Australia is an Australian Government initiative promoting Australian creative industries in Asia.
The Niseko Winter Music Festival (15-17 January) started as the brainchild of Artistic Director Richard Tognetti to showcase the ACO’s unique performance style in Japan, recently described by the Washington Post as combining "The energy and vibe of a rock band with the ability of a crack classical chamber group."
Richard Tognetti said: "Classical music is very popular in Japan. We wanted to build on the success of recent tours there to create an annual festival bringing together Australian and Japanese musicians and audiences. In Japan, they still don’t quite believe that great classical music can come from Australia. Like wine, they expect it to come from Europe."
Recognised internationally as an innovative festival director, Tognetti is building creative connections with local musicians, combining the ACO with Taiko drummers in Niseko.
Austrade's Arts Industry Team Leader John Odgers congratulated the Australian Chamber Orchestra on their success and said that Creative Australia would provide a cross-regional marketing platform to promote music and other Australian creative industries in Japan and wider Asia.
"The ACO’s success in Japan is an excellent example of how Australian creative talent can win over audiences in the region.
"Japan is a sophisticated market. Consumers have money to spend on entertainment and will remain loyal followers when they see quality productions like the ACO.
"Niseko is also the perfect place to launch Creative Australia as nowhere else in Japan is the influence of Australian creativity and innovation more evident than in the Hokkaido ski resort.
"Renowned Australian architect Riccardo Tossani developed the urban planning for the Niseko Village Town and Australian developers such as Hokkaido Tracks have transformed the local architectural landscape with their modern twist on ski-in condominium design.
"Almost half a million Australians are employed in creative industries, including global names at the top of their field as well as up-and-coming talent,” Mr Odgers said.
In the architectural and urban design fields, Australian firms have triumphed on the global stage. There are five Australian Architectural firms amongst the 40 largest architectural practices – only the US and the UK boast more in the Top 40.
Creative Australia is a joint initiative of Austrade, the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) and the Department of Environment, Heritage and the Arts (DEWHA). Creative Australia was also promoted at the Korea International Arts Fair (18-22 September, 2009) and in China at Shanghai International Creative Industries Week (October 15-21, 2009).
The Niseko Winter Festival runs until Sunday January 17.
John Odgers (Austrade) and Richard Tognetti (Australian Chamber Orchestra) are available for media interviews.
Images are available.
ENDS