A joint gala concert by the Ryukoku University Symphonic Band from Japan and Dai Kimoto & Swing Kids from the Eastern part of Switzerland will take place on Thursday evening. Thanks to the connections of Dai Kimoto the Japanese orchestra with more than 100 members will take part in the WJMF for the second time. We can look forward to the joint concert with many musical highlights.

 

 

Ryukoku University Symphonic Band, Japan

The Ryukoku University Symphonic Band was founded in 1968 and took part in the first national competition in 1986 under the direction of the world-famous conductor Sado Yukata. Later, music director and conductor Yoshito Wakabayashi joined the symphony orchestra. The orchestra has participated in all the many national Japanese university competitions and won many prizes. The symphony orchestra has also released 18 recordings to date.

 

 

Dai Kimoto & Swing Kids

“Dai Kimoto & his Swing Kids” – this name stands for pure joie de vivre: the 15 young people aged between nine and 16 from St.Gallen and Thurgau play jazz and big band sound at the highest level. With tours through Japan, France, the USA and South America and several awards and performances at renowned jazz festivals, the “Swing Kids” have inspired the whole world. Dai Kimoto was born in 1949 in Kurashiki, Japan, and has lived with his family in Romanshorn for over 40 years. In addition to his involvement with the “Swing Kids”, Dai Kimoto has also had engagements with the Pepe Lienhard Band, the Zurich Opera House and the St.Gallen City Theatre, among others. In Switzerland, Dai Kimoto and his “Swing Kids” have firmly established themselves in the big band scene and play swing and jazz at a high level with great enthusiasm. They continue to amaze audiences and the press alike.