The Stas Venglevski Music Foundation sponsored a 13-day trip to Japan this past June. The trip coincided with the Hadano, Japan – Pasadena, Texas sister city 60th anniversary celebration.

The highlight of the trip was a concert attended by an audience of over 1,400 in the city of Hadano featuring the Stas Venglevski Accordion Ensemble, Stas playing solo, as well as duo, and with drum groups. Nine members of the Accordion Youth Ensemble from Michigan, Texas, Virginia, and Wisconsin, as well as four adult musicians accompanied Stas on this trip.

In addition to the daily five-hour rehearsals, ensemble members had the opportunity to participate in open mic sessions, meet Japanese counterparts, participate in outdoor mixed team games, learn about Japanese culture and preparing Japanese food, sightsee, and most importantly, make new friends.

Stas also had the opportunity to visit an elementary school in the city of Hiratsuka to perform with students and play for kindergarten classes. The trip was so successful that the group has been asked to return next year. More details to follow in a future article.

The Stas Venglevski Music Foundation is a non-profit public charity corporation. Its core mission is to revolutionize the world of accordion by inspiring young people to embrace the fine arts, empowering them to create music, honing their performance skills as soloists and with orchestras, and giving them opportunities to compose and debut new music.

Additionally, it is committed to broadening public knowledge of art and music and supporting impactful cultural initiatives worldwide. More information can be found online by searching “Stas Venglevski Music Foundation”.