Experts Praise 'Beethoven and the Ode to Joy' Exhibition at Soka University

The “Beethoven and the Ode to Joy" Exhibition at Soka University has received praise from experts.

This exhibition was produced by the Ikeda Research Institute for Soka Education (IRISE) (In collaboration with Tokyo Fuji Art Museum, and The Min-On Music Museum, and supported by: Embassy of the Federal Republic of Germany and Hachioji City Board of Education.)
The exhibition features valuable materials that provide a background about the life and creations of the legendary composer, Beethoven, including his handwritten letters(1815).

On November 28,  Mr. Toshio Yanagisawa (Conductor of the Balkan Chamber Orchestra, Chief Conductor of the Kosovo Philharmonic Orchestra) visited the exhibition. For many years, he has contributed to the coexistence and peacebuilding of the peoples of the Balkans (particularly in the former Yugoslavia), through music. Seeing the exhibition, he said, "I was amazed by the number of valuable materials. Beethoven's message that 'All Men Shall be Brothers' comes through.” He also spoke to the students about the importance of cultural exchange through his experience in the Balkans. Prior to viewing the exhibition, Mr. Yanagisawa met with President Masashi Suzuki.

On Saturday, November 30, political scientist Kang Sang-jung (Professor Emeritus at the University of Tokyo and President of Chinsei Gakuin University) visited the university. In addition to his research on the history and issues of nationalism, he is also the director of the Kumamoto Prefectural Theater, where he is dedicated to promoting culture. After observing the exhibition he said "It must be a good learning experience for the students to be exposed to such authentic works," "I gained a clear understanding that Mr. Daisaku Ikeda’s love for Romain Rolland’s books led him to be drawn to Beethoven." Prof. Kang was one of the keynote speakers at the International Symposium Commemorating the 50th Anniversary of the Meeting Between Zhou Enlai and Daisaku Ikeda held on the same day under the theme “Peace and Development through Dialogue.” The editor of the exhibition Prof. Takao Ito of the Faculty of Letters explained the exhibits to the guests. 

The “Beethoven and the Ode to Joy" Exhibition is on view until Friday, December 27 (Global Square Lobby)