OPERA

Invitational Programme for Performing Arts in the Region

Biwako Hall "The Twelve Months"

SCHEDULE

  • Sat, 18 July 2026, 14:00
    TICKETS
  • Sun, 19 July 2026, 14:00
    TICKETS
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2026/2027 SEASON

Music by Hikaru Hayashi
Opera in 2 Acts
Sung in Japanese with Japanese surtitle

PLAYHOUSE

Presented by BIWAKO HALL Center for the Performing Arts, Shiga & New National Theatre, Tokyo

18 Jul - 19 Jul, 2026 ( 2 Performances )

TICKETS

Running time is approx. 2 hours and 45 mins including an interval.

Booking Opens: Wed, 6 May 2026, 10:00am

Guidance

This production contains ○○

DETAILS

The Invitational Programme for Performing Arts in the Region has been held by the New National Theatre Tokyo since 2005 as a programme to introduce outstanding works produced by theatres outside Tokyo and works from all over Japan are performed in collaboration with the New National Theatre, Tokyo. In 2026, the invitation is extended to The Twelve Months, staged at the Biwako Hall Center for the Performing Arts, Shiga.

Biwako Hall has showcased outstanding stage works from Japan and the rest of the world since its opening in 1998. BIWAKO HALL Vocal Ensemble was established as the core of the theatre's creative activities and the Hall presents their own productions including opera.

The Twelve Months is based on a work from Russian children's storybook author Samuil Marshak as translated by Yoshiko Yuasa, with the libretto and music by Hikaru Hayashi. Proposed by the first Artistic Director of Biwako Hall, Hiroshi Wakasugi, a new production of this work for opera singers to perform with a chamber orchestra was created in 2000, and it has been staged repeatedly ever since. With delightful melodies and an accessible Japanese libretto, this work is enjoyable for everyone from children to adults.

This production will also be performed in the THEATRE in Biwako Hall on May 9-10 (Sat.-Sun.), 2026.

SYNOPSIS

Set on New Year’s Eve in a vast country. Due to a proclamation made on a whim by the selfish Queen, the Daughter sets out into a cold, snowy forest to search for snowdrops that surely won’t even be blooming in winter. But there, she meets the spirits of the twelve months of the year. And for the sake of this kind-hearted daughter, the spirit of April asks the other months for just one hour. Then, the snow vanishes and countless snowdrops appear! Having collected the snowdrops, the Daughter promises not to reveal the secret of the spirit of December to anyone. She receives a ring from the spirit of April and returns home. And having received the snowdrops, the Queen decides to take the Daughter’s ring and head into the windy, snowy forest to collect snowdrops herself despite the protestations from her Courtiers. And there, the Queen learnt something important from the harsh cold and difficult experiences of the winter forest.

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CREATIVE TEAM & CAST

CREATIVE TEAM

Conductor: BAN Tetsuro
Production: NAKAMURA Keiichi
Set Design: MASUDA Sumiko
Costume Design: HANDA Etsuko
Lighting Design: YAMAMOTO Hideaki

CAST

Cast: BIWAKO HALL Vocal Ensemble

Piano: TERASHIMA Rikuya
Orchestra: Japan Century Symphony Orchestra

  • CREATIVE TEAM
  • BAN Tetsuro
    Conductor
    BAN Tetsuro
    NAKAMURA Keiichi
    Production
    NAKAMURA Keiichi

TICKETS

SEATING PLAN

Box Office: +81-(0)3-5352-9999

10:00 - 18:00

Booking Opens: Wed, 6 May 2026, 10:00am

Booking Z seats (Day tickets) 1,650 yen

  • You are able to purchase Z seat tickets online from 10:00 am. Click "BUY TICKETS" next to "Z" under each performance information.
  • There is a handling charge of ¥330 (incl. tax).
  • Only when seats allocated as Z seats are still available at 11:00 am, you are able to purchase these tickets at the Box Office of the theatre.
  • Note that all Z seats are on a first come, first served basis and will come with restricted views.

*There are no discounts for this performance including the discount for Atre members.

Please Note

  • Latecomers will not be admitted to the auditorium unless there is a suitable break or interval.
  • No admittance to children under 6. Each child older than this age requires a ticket for entry, even when accompanied by a parent or guardian.
  • Tickets may not be changed or refunded except in the case of a cancelled performance.
  • Users of wheelchairs are requested to contact the Box Office.
  • Please note that cast or programme change may be required depending on the situation.