In November 2020, the Shizuoka Symphony Orchestra （founded in 1988） and the Hamamatsu Philharmonic Orchestra （founded in 1998）, both of which were non-profit organizations, merged to become the Mt. Fuji Philharmonic Orchestra in April 2021, continue to perform throughout Shizuoka Prefecture, as the only permanent professional orchestra in Shizuoka Prefecture. In April 2022, the orchestra was recognized as a public interest incorporated foundation, it is making great strides toward strengthening its financial base and further improving its performance capabilities. In June 2024, the orchestra’s activities to date have been recognized and it was approved as a full member of the Association of Japanese Symphony Orchestras.
TAKASEKI Ken has been involved as a music advisor since 2018 and as a principal conductor since 2021, and with trust of the orchestra members, he is working together to improve music culture in Shizuoka Prefecture.
As the orchestra continues to grow, it is actively working to perform outside of the prefecture, holding subscription concerts in Tokyo in December 2020 and February 2024. Both performances were highly praised for their high level of performance. Furthermore, in February 2025, the orchestra released its first CD, further expanding the scope of its activities.
As the orchestra representing Shizuoka Prefecture in both name and reality, the orchestra contributes to the spread and improvement of local music culture through subscription concerts, special concerts sponsored by companies, street corner concerts, outreach to hospitals, elderly welfare facilities, and kindergartens, and music appreciation classes for schools.
