International Federation for Choral Music

Nobuaki Tanaka, longtime leader within the Japanese choral world, Conductor Laureate of the Tokyo Philharmonic Chorus, and a Person of Cultural Merit, has died at the age of 96.

Born in Niigata Prefecture, Japan, Nobuaki Tanaka was a junior high school music teacher prior to entering the vocal music department of Tokyo University of the Arts. After graduating university in 1956, he founded the Tokyo Philharmonic Chorus with his fellows sharing the same values, becoming its permanent conductor and developing the ensemble into one of Japan's preeminent professional choral groups. Nobuaki Tanaka devoted himself to the creation of Japanese choral works, commissioning various composers and premiering 460 choral works. He served as choral conductor for numerous performances by the Berlin Philharmonic, NHK Symphony Orchestra, and others. At the same time, he was actively involved in teaching amateur choirs and was selected as a Person of Cultural Merit in 2016 in recognition of his achievements. An active conductor through his life, his last stage performance was at the “Tokyo Philharmonic Chorus Special Concert - with Nobuaki Tanaka - Tokon All Stars” held on 31 August 2024 at the Tokyo Metropolitan Theatre.

Maestro Tanaka had a special connection with IFCM through the World Youth Choir (WYC). He was the conductor of the 1997 WYC summer session in Japan, the 1999-2000 WYC winter session in Belgium, and the 2009 WYC 20th anniversary concert in Sweden. Maestro Tanaka had the ability to truly engage the singers in their interpretation of demanding Japanese repertoire. The choir's performance of Hikaru Hayashi’s "Mizu o Kudasai" (Give Me Water) in Hiroshima is remembered by those present (singers and audience alike) as a moment of unforgettable emotional impact. The choir had visited the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum where the singers witnessed the horror of the atomic bomb. However, it was Maestro Tanaka who unearthered deep understandings of text and music within the singers with his words: “Create your own music and, at the same time, create it together as a group.”

Here are some reflections from singers in the 1997 WYC session in Japan:

For sure, I will never forget singing with young singers from all around the world in a place like Hiroshima for peace on our planet. Maestro Tanaka was such a great musician and a personality of extraordinary depth and expressiveness. I really have to say thank you to all the organizers for having this kind of experience in my life. (Stephanie Krone Hackhausen, Germany)

My perspective on conducting and vocal pedagogy underwent a profound transformation during my first session with the WYC in 1997. We were fortunate to be led by two exceptional conductors, Robert Sund and Nobuaki Tanaka. Maestro Tanaka, affectionately known to us as “Tanaka Sensei”, left an indelible mark with his humility, humour, and masterful conducting technique. A pivotal moment for me was performing "Magic Songs" by R. Murray Schafer, which broadened my musical horizons in ways I had never imagined. The experience was unforgettable and remains one I deeply cherish to this day. Tanaka Sensei's influence played a key role in inspiring me to pursue a career as a conductor. (Richter Grimbeek, Germany)

The World Youth Choir holds such a special place in my heart and Nobuaki Tanaka is a very big part of it.  If music is a universal language, Nobuaki epitomized this concept. With no English and communicating through an interpreter only, "Tanaka-san" as we ended up referring to him, rallied the most beautiful sound I had ever experienced in my life. He made each one of us feel that we were an integral part of the ensemble. His ability to crystallize his thoughts in a song, even without a common language, was extremely admirable. His philosophy of freedom in making music has remained with me to this day. Tanaka-san, you left an indelible mark in my life and in the world. RIP (Ken Wakia, Kenya)

The first time we met Maestro Tanaka was unforgettable, and we all fell in love with him immediately. He seemed small compared to our 100-voice choir, yet he had an incredible strength and calmness that instantly earned our respect. His musicality and emotional depth captivated us all, and he had a wonderful sense of humour as well. He encouraged us all to understand that we are united with Nature and the Universe. Even now, I can still hear his voice at the beginning of every rehearsal saying, "Feel the earth!" (Ilze Jaunalksne-Rēdere, Latvia)

IFCM joins the international choral world in extending our sincerest condolences to his family and thanking Maestro Tanaka for the invaluable legacy he has left behind.

All portraits and picture © Michael Zaugg

September 8, 2020 Tokyo Philharmonic Chorus Special Concert with Nobuaki Tanaka - from “Togakusei All Stars” Part 2