Noboru Mochizuki, Chairperson

　Activities organized by the Cultural Activity Committee are grouped into 2 major categories of art and music.

This was reported in the last month's issue so I will briefly mention the main points as most of you may have already read about it.

UNESCO Art Exhibition organized by Meguro UNESCO Association has a proud history dating back to 1957 with the first exhibition held at Tokyu Toyoko Store during September 10-15.　Art works of approximately 20 Meguro residing artists including Masahiko Katori (appointed a national asset), Kizan Itaka (the first), Hiroshi Itaka (current Kizan), among others were exhibited.　Since then, we have continued to organize successful art exhibitions such as "Japan UNESCO Art Exhibition" held jointly with Kyoto UNESCO Association at Mitsukoshi Gallery in Nihonbashi during August 15-20, 1967.　The idea of art exhibition was originated by a group of artists belonging to the Meguro UNESCO Association in hopes of contributing financially to various movements conducted by UNESCO.

For the first 20 years or so, the exhibition was limited to those of works of art created by professional artists.　However, the former president of Meguro UNESCO, Ms. Isako Kato (the mother of current president), having held the office from 1975 to 1989, revised the format to have works of art done by any member of the association included in the exhibition.　Currently, amateur works of art are displayed side-by-side with those works done by professional artists.

Last year's exhibition (held November 19-23) displayed various works of art created by men and women of all ages.　Photos taken by Mayor Yakushiji of Meguro Ward, drawings by primary school children, and art works of American School students were exhibited along with the works of Kizan Itaka and ceramic art of professional potters.　It is our wish to continue developing this activity with the help of the members in the association with the goal to "support the movements of UNESCO through art".

　The series of UNESCO charity concerts began 28 years ago in 1975.　Having the same goal as the group of artists to "support the movement of UNESCO", the idea to organize a series of charity concerts was first proposed by Ms. Yoko Urata and Joergen Fog.　UNESCO concerts are supported by Meguro Board of Education, in some cases in forms of "sponsored by Meguro UNESCO Association/supported by Meguro Board of Education" and at times as a "co-sponsor".　The goal is to offer the residents of Meguro with the opportunities to hear high quality music while promoting various movements of UNESCO.　

　To be worthy of Meguro Persimmon Hall's series of opening events, "Vienna Piano Quartet Concert", marking the 30^th UNESCO charity concert was held last year with Ms. Urata and Mr. Fog as main performers.　It was such a moving concert and I believe the excitement is still fresh in the minds of many of you who attended as well as many of those children whom we had invited.

In addition to offering fine music to Meguro residents, UNESCO charity concerts are important means of supporting the activities of UNESCO such as "UNESCO World TERAKOYA Movement" and "Preservation of World Heritage".　The proceeds from the 1^st concert in 1975 were used to support the "Bangladesh SOS" and those from the 30^th concert last year were contributed towards the "educational support of Afghanistan".　The performers well-understand the purpose of the concerts and unsparingly volunteer their services.

We hope that you recognize and acknowledge the purpose of these activities and support the cause by attending the art exhibitions and concerts in the future.

Top photo:　Works of art by the American School students

Bottom photo:　"Soshun-no-kai Chorus", "Chorus Himawari", and Vienna Piano Quartet at the UNESCO Concert 2002 performing "Vienna Izanai" (lyric by Masako Machida and composed/conducted by Yuuki Ando)

To No.193-6