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Michiru Oshima and John DeSentis have announced their concert, and Kickstarter, to happen at this years G-Fest. Kaiju Crescendo will include works by Michiru Oshima as well as other selections, check out many of the details below and head on over to Kickstarter to support this awesome project.
About Kaiju Crescendo
Japanese Monster Music Returns to Chicago in July, 2019!
Fans and attendees of G-FEST 2014 and 2015 were treated to two incredible and memorable nights of their favorite kaiju music. "IFUKUBE 100: A LEGACY OF MONSTER MUSIC" and "SYMPHONIC FURY: THE MUSIC OF JAPANESE MONSTERS" brought many kaiju fans and professionals together to celebrate the tapestry of wonderful scoring that has been the Godzilla series. After a three year break, monstrous music is back in a big way with the most varied offering yet. "KAIJU CRESCENDO: AN EVENING OF JAPANESE MONSTER MUSIC" will bring some of the most incredible Tokusatsu film scores together for an unforgettable performance during G-FEST XXVI weekend, July 12-14th, 2019.
About Kaiju Crescendo
Japanese Monster Music Returns to Chicago in July, 2019!
Fans and attendees of G-FEST 2014 and 2015 were treated to two incredible and memorable nights of their favorite kaiju music. "IFUKUBE 100: A LEGACY OF MONSTER MUSIC" and "SYMPHONIC FURY: THE MUSIC OF JAPANESE MONSTERS" brought many kaiju fans and professionals together to celebrate the tapestry of wonderful scoring that has been the Godzilla series. After a three year break, monstrous music is back in a big way with the most varied offering yet. "KAIJU CRESCENDO: AN EVENING OF JAPANESE MONSTER MUSIC" will bring some of the most incredible Tokusatsu film scores together for an unforgettable performance during G-FEST XXVI weekend, July 12-14th, 2019.
This year, musical director and concert conductor John DeSentis teams with Godzilla series composer Michiru Oshima to bring her music to life with a live orchestra. "KAIJU CRESCENDO: AN EVENING OF JAPANESE MONSTER MUSIC" will showcase music from Oshima's three powerful and dynamic Godzilla scores. Highlights will be selected from "Godzilla vs. Megaguiras" (2000), "Godzilla Against Mechagodzilla" (2002), and "Godzilla: Tokyo SOS" (2003). Not only that, Michiru Oshima will be writing a brand new work inspired by the upcoming concert that will have its world premiere that night!
It has been so rare even in Japan that a Godzilla series composer conducts their own music with an orchestra live. Even the great Akira Ifukube always tended to let others conduct his monster music in concert. This performance will be an incredibly unique experience in that regard, as Michiru Oshima takes to the podium to lead the orchestra and electrify the crowd. Her presence on stage will undoubtedly make this an experience to remember. And speaking of which....
It has been so rare even in Japan that a Godzilla series composer conducts their own music with an orchestra live. Even the great Akira Ifukube always tended to let others conduct his monster music in concert. This performance will be an incredibly unique experience in that regard, as Michiru Oshima takes to the podium to lead the orchestra and electrify the crowd. Her presence on stage will undoubtedly make this an experience to remember. And speaking of which....
Composer Michiru Oshima
MICHIRU OSHIMA WANTS TO HEAR FROM YOU!
Which of the cues from her three scores do you want to hear the MOST? Please leave a comment, or write a message to this Kickstarter page and let us know about your favorite musical tracks and we will take a consensus as we finalize the set list! YOU can help decide the program!
In addition, John will be stepping up to perform some of the most requested score highlights from the Godzilla series and other beloved films from the Golden Era of Tokusatsu. The legacy of Akira Ifukube will be celebrated beginning with "Rodan" (1956) which is the most requested film score by the maestro to get the live treatment with the orchestra.
Which of the cues from her three scores do you want to hear the MOST? Please leave a comment, or write a message to this Kickstarter page and let us know about your favorite musical tracks and we will take a consensus as we finalize the set list! YOU can help decide the program!
In addition, John will be stepping up to perform some of the most requested score highlights from the Godzilla series and other beloved films from the Golden Era of Tokusatsu. The legacy of Akira Ifukube will be celebrated beginning with "Rodan" (1956) which is the most requested film score by the maestro to get the live treatment with the orchestra.
John DeSentis conducts the "Ifukube 100: A Legacy of Monster Music" orchestra in 2014. Photo by Len Medlock.
Also being honored: the great Masaru Sato and his scores from "Son of Godzilla" (1967) and "Godzilla vs. Mechagodzilla" (1974). These two works represent some of the most popular of his distinguished career and Mr. Sato's musical legacy is one that we cannot wait to salute.
All works will be appropriately licensed for recording and performance from JASRAC (Japanese Society for Rights of Authors, Composers, and Publishers) through the Harry Fox Agency in the United States as well as ASCAP (American Society of Composers, Authors, and Publishers). The CDs will be manufactured professionally and be of the highest quality, as will any other rewards.
Please join us in helping to create yet another memorable and incredible night of Japanese monster music. Remember that even if you cannot attend the concert, your contribution becomes a building block toward the ultimate goal and we have some exciting ways to thank you. Take a look at the Kickstarter rewards we have to offer and pick the one that works best for you (financially or otherwise).
All works will be appropriately licensed for recording and performance from JASRAC (Japanese Society for Rights of Authors, Composers, and Publishers) through the Harry Fox Agency in the United States as well as ASCAP (American Society of Composers, Authors, and Publishers). The CDs will be manufactured professionally and be of the highest quality, as will any other rewards.
Please join us in helping to create yet another memorable and incredible night of Japanese monster music. Remember that even if you cannot attend the concert, your contribution becomes a building block toward the ultimate goal and we have some exciting ways to thank you. Take a look at the Kickstarter rewards we have to offer and pick the one that works best for you (financially or otherwise).
Composer Akira Ifukube. Photo provided by Erik Homenick
Japanese composer Masaru Sato.
