The Aichi Chamber Orchestra (ACO) began in 2002, centered on young classical musicians who had graduated from the Aichi University of the Arts. Currently, it is made up of musicians who have devoted themselves to their studies in Japan and abroad, and who are active in the Tokai region. It is the only professional chamber orchestra active in the Tokai region, with a policy of cultural activities rooted in that region. It also contributes to the ongoing development and improvement of cultural and artistic experiences, such as outreach activities in schools and family concerts that all can enjoy, from children to adults. After being operated independently by its members, the ACO is currently taking a social role in the Tokai region along with Kishokai Medical Corporation (also known as the Bell Network).
With NITTA Yuri as the regular conductor starting in 2015, the ACO was invited to Liesk and Helsinki to perform in celebration of the 100th anniversary of establishment of diplomatic relations between Japan and Finland. In 2022, the 20th anniversary of the ACO’s founding, Mr. YAMASHITA Kazufumi was appointed as its first musical director. He has made his presence felt in the past few years by presenting one highly creative program after another, making best use of the distinctive features of a chamber orchestra. In 2023, composer Atsuhiko Gondai became the ACO’s first Composer in Residence. His ACO-commissioned piece “Strings between Time and Eternity for violin and orchestra” became a hot topic when it won the 72nd Otaka Prize. In 2024, Mr. HARADA Keitaro became our principal guest conductor and artistic partner, and in his inaugural concert, his pursuit of a performance style utilizing small configurations, such as playing while standing, was well-received. In the same year, we welcomed Yukio Yokoyama as a Friend of the ACO, and have continued our collaboration “Yukio Yokoyama & the ACO – Beethoven Concerto Zyklus” (5 total performances). In addition to our Regular Performances, we have invited famous conductors and soloists of both Japan and abroad to our Ensemble Series and Special Performances, actively broadening our music.
Some of the many recordings we have released included “Mozart: Clarinet Concerto” (2010), “Niels Gade: 3rd and 4th Symphonies” (2017), “Mozart: Grand Partita & Divertimento” (2020), a special selection by Record Geijutsu magazine, “Schumann: 2nd Symphony & Brahms: Academic Festival Overture” (2022), and “Schumann: Complete Symphonies”(2025).
In 2016 the ACO received the Nagoya City Award for Encouragement of the Arts, and in 2023 the Cultural Newcomer Award of Aichi Prefecture Arts and Culture Selection.
