Better late than never: Il Divo sings classic Japanese songs
In July 2013, Il Divo recorded a NHK charity song for The Great Eastern Japan Earthquake relief, titled “Flowers Will Bloom (original Japanese title: Hana wa Saku )” in English. And it has been released on iTunes in August 2013.
The charity song “Hana wa Saku” was born for a purpose to support the recovery of afflicted areas and the victims of The Great Eastern Japan Earthquake in 2011, and has been used as the theme song for “NHK /The Great Eastern Japan Earthquake Relief Project”. Its lyrics are written by the famous film director (winner of Berlin International Film Festival) Iwai Shunji, and composed /arranged by the acclaimed Japanese songwriter and the pianist, Kanno Yoko. Both songwriters are from Sendai, Miyagi Prefecture, which is one of the afflicted areas from the disaster. In addition, its English lyrics were written by Roger Pulvers.
The song “ Hana wa Saku” was originally sung and recorded by a group of 36 celebrities (who had previously lived in NorthEast) called “Hana wa Saku Project” including Nishida Toshiyuki (film/ TV actor), Nakaruma Masatoshi (actor/ artist), Mori Kumiko (opera /musical singer), Arakawa Shizuka (figure skater /2006 Winter Olympics gold medalist), and Sandwitchman (comedian). Furthermore, at last year’s “NHK 63rd Kohaku Utagassen (Red&White Singing Tournament)” broadcasted on December 31st, the song “Hana wa Saku” was performed with Kanno Yoko (conductor), Tsuji Nobuyuki (pianist).
“Flowers Will Bloom” is Il Divo’s first charity song participation in Japan, but they have previously performed the song “Furusato” in Japanese, as a prayer for the recovery at their Japan Tour in March 2012. This was their first time singing the traditional Japanese song, and their philanthropic performance was embraced with a massive standing ovation. After their Japan Tour, there were huge amount of requests for the CD release of “Furusato” from fans. As a result, “Furusato” was recorded and the included on their “Greatest Hits” album as the Japanese bonus track in November 2012.
David Miller commented:
“IL DIVO is an international band comprised of members from 4 different countries. We are often called “musical ambassadors”, connecting the world with our music. It’s our pleasure taking part in “FLOWERS WILL BLOOM”. We couldn’t be happier knowing our vocals on this song might be able to help in Japan in some small way. About 2 and a half years has passed since the 3-11 disaster, and we understand Japan is still on the way towards a full recovery and reconstruction. We hope this
song encourages people of the world to not forget about the disaster that happened, and we hope to walk strong with the people in Japan.”
Il Divo has been encouraging Japan for its recovery from The Great Eastern Japan Earthquake since March 2011, and now their emotional and beautiful vocals and prayer in the song “ Flowers Will Bloom ” is spreading out to the world.
Listen to the songs here:
Flower will bloom
Click to viewFurusato
NHK TV program about Il Divo
Source: Ildivo.com, YT 1, YT 2, YT 3
I took the article from their website and edited some, just to make the focus on the song part and Il Divo.
I'm going to see their Musical Affair concert next month! So excited, because it's kinda my first big concert. May not be the best seat, but heck, I'm just gonna enjoy the fact that I'm there :P