The "Hatsune Miku Symphony 2026" is a full orchestra concert where you can enjoy masterpieces by virtual singers like Hatsune Miku. The Sapporo performance will be held on Saturday, June 20th, at the Sapporo Concert Hall Kitara. We spoke with Takahiro Tajima, the concertmaster of the Sapporo Symphony Orchestra, who will be performing, about the unique appeal of the Sapporo concert and how to enjoy the music with an orchestra.

――The Sapporo Symphony Orchestra performed in the first-ever Sapporo performance of the Hatsune Miku Symphony last year, which marked its memorable 10th anniversary. Could you share your impressions from that time?

Takahiro Tajima (hereafter, Tajima): Unfortunately, I didn't perform in the last concert, but I heard it was a huge success. We had been eagerly looking forward to this collaboration for a long time, so the entire orchestra was deeply honored to be part of the 10th-anniversary performance and the first-ever show in Sapporo.

The fusion of the original songs' charm with the power of the orchestra, creating a sense of unity where the entire venue enjoys the work together, is a unique appeal of the Hatsune Miku Symphony.

――How did the atmosphere of the venue compare to your usual Sapporo Symphony Orchestra concerts?

Tajima: According to the orchestra members and staff who were there, the energy from the audience was incredible, from before the show started until after it ended. I believe it became a great concert because of the excitement everyone in the audience brought.

――What are your thoughts on music that developed from internet culture being performed by a full orchestra like this?

Tajima: For us, the most important thing is that many people are interested and that the audience who comes to listen enjoys themselves.

This year's Sapporo performance will also be held at the Sapporo Concert Hall "Kitara."

――The Hatsune Miku Symphony Sapporo performance will be held at the Sapporo Concert Hall Kitara for the second consecutive year. Could you tell us about the appeal of Kitara?

Tajima: The Sapporo Concert Hall Kitara, which Sapporo is proud to show the world, has truly unique and beautiful acoustics. The environment is also wonderful, located within Nakajima Park, which is beautiful in every season. I truly hope more people will come and visit.

――Many audience members may not be accustomed to classical concerts. Could you share the appeal of attending a classical concert?

Tajima: I'd like people to experience the acoustic sound without getting caught up in genres like "classical" or "pops." The "orchestra," with its centuries of history, is composed of various instruments and people. Of course, you can listen to the sounds of each instrument and the beautiful harmony they create together, but I think you can enjoy it even more if you also pay attention to each performer and find your "favorite" instrument or musician.

Finally, we received a message for the fans looking forward to the Sapporo performance.

Tajima: I believe this performance will also be an exciting event where the stage and audience unite. We will use the power of the orchestra to make the beloved songs of Hatsune Miku sound even more captivating. Please look forward to it! We are waiting for you at Kitara.

The "Hatsune Miku Symphony 2026 Sapporo Performance," where Hokkaido's representative Sapporo Symphony Orchestra will play the music of Hatsune Miku. The orchestral sound experienced in one of the world's finest concert halls is sure to bring a new kind of感動 to not only fans of the original songs but also to those new to classical concerts. Why not enjoy this one-of-a-kind musical experience on a special stage unique to Sapporo?