“Soen – Beyond Division”: Serbian Music Concert by Trio Chaleur & Soen Members in Japan

Ambassador Aleksandra Kovač with Trio Chaleur and Soen members at the Embassy of the Republic of Serbia in Japan for the "Soen - Beyond Division" concert.

Hosted by the Embassy of the Republic of Serbia in Japan (“The House of Serbia” in Japan)

Relations between Serbia and Japan are very good, and in 2027, they will celebrate the 145th anniversary of their friendship. In that year, Belgrade, the capital of Serbia, is scheduled to host an internationally recognized exposition (Belgrade International Exposition) titled “Play for Humanity – Sport and Music for All.”

On this day, Her Excellency Aleksandra Kovač, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Serbia, commented on the holding of this internationally recognized exposition (Belgrade International Exposition), clearly stating that “it will be a festival celebrating creativity and art.”

Her Excellency Aleksandra Kovač, Serbian Ambassador to Japan, speaking about the Belgrade International Exposition 2027.

The theme of this internationally recognized exposition (Belgrade International Exposition) strongly emphasizes the idea that in a technology-driven, anxiety-ridden world, humanity must leverage the power of play to overcome divisions and rebuild “connections” through music and sports, in order to construct resilient individuals and communities, and to hope for recovery. Currently, with the Middle East situation unstable and the future of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine uncertain, isn’t the common challenge for humanity precisely “connecting, understanding, and overcoming divisions through music and sports”?

The Trio Chaleur, who performed that evening, expressed “overcoming divisions” through their music. Composed of flutist Yuki Saito, pianist Kenji Kanemasu, and cellist Shinsuke Usui, the Trio Trio Chaleur continues to be active in Japan, but since 2013 they have frequently visited Serbia, expanding the scope of their activities.

Since establishing their connection with Serbia, Trio Chaleur has been even more deeply impressed by authentic Serbian music, incorporating works by more Serbian composers, traditional pieces, and famous Japanese songs into their repertoire, infusing them with a Serbian flavor. Their unique worldview connects Serbia and Japan, and can be said to express the resilient strength of Serbia, which has overcome division.

Trio Chaleur is praised for playing music that is more Serbian than that of Serbians themselves, and in 2022, they performed at a commemorative concert celebrating the 140th anniversary of friendship between Serbia and Japan. The Serbian-connected audience gathered that evening thoroughly enjoyed their supple yet powerful music.

Trio Chaleur and Soen members performing a medley of Serbian and Japanese music featuring flute, cello, and piano.

The program began with Piazzolla’s masterpiece “Libertango.” The powerful flute lead delivered a very modern performance, but in the following piece, “Haru no Umi” (Spring Sea) by Michio Miyagi of Japan, the flute showed a bold transformation. Here, the flute, with a sound similar to the Japanese instrument, shakuhachi, created a unique musical style.

The Serbian dance “Kolo,” played at the end of this section, was performed at a dizzying tempo. “Kolo” is a dance registered as a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage, and its meaning is “circle” or “wheel.” As the Serbian meaning suggests, “Kolo” is a dance performed in a circle, and it is common in Serbia, with children learning it in elementary school. Just listening to it made me want to move, and I felt like I could join the circle of dancers.

Flutist Yuki Saito and Trio Chaleur performing the traditional Serbian dance "Kolo" at the Serbian Embassy.

In the following Serbian medley, even the audience, who were well-versed in Serbian music, were impressed by the Serbian flavor the music exuded. The final piece in the medley was the famous “The Lark” from “Farewell to St. Petersburg,” composed by the Russian composer Glinka. This too carried a unique Serbian flavor, offering a completely different and wonderful taste.

Guests and performers sharing a toast at the conclusion of the Serbian music event at the Embassy in Japan.

Music needs no further commentary; its sound alone conveys the splendor of Serbian culture. Like sports, music is a universal language, connecting people’s hearts across different ethnicities and cultures. Those who shared the emotion of this night seemed to have experienced a celebration of creativity and art, a glimpse into Serbia’s motto of unity beyond division, even before next year’s internationally recognized exposition in Belgrade.

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